I continue my roster analysis by moving to the defensive side of the ball. I’ll start with the strength of the defense, the defensive end position. By my accounts there are three players who are locks to make the team: Long time starters Peppers & Rucker (duh) and 3rd round draft pick Charles Johnson. From there we have five players competing for one or two positions.

Julius Peppers (6-7, 283, 6th)
He’s the best DE in the NFC with only Dwight Freeney getting higher marks from me in the entire NFL. He’s in his prime and should have a great year. I’m thinking 16 sacks and a 2007 team MVP award. He will also be in the running for NFL Defensive MVP. ‘Nuff said.

Mike Rucker (6-5, 270, 9th)
Rucker has had a nice career with the Panthers but is coming off his first major injury. We’ll have to wait until camp to see how he looks and to see if he has lost a step. We could use one more good year from him as a starter until his apprentice is ready.

Charles Johnson (6-2, 270, R)
Johnson is the rookie who I feel will be competing with McClover for the back-up spot behind Rucker. He could play behind Peppers once the season starts. Being a 3rd rounder the Panthers will give him a couple years to prove him self but I doubt it will take that long. I predict he will get more and more snaps as the season progresses with his first sack coming by game eight.

Stanley McClover (6-2, 263, 2nd)
Stanley is the former 7th rounder who showed enough promise last season to make the practice squad. I heard a number of good things about him during OTA’s. He has shown good athleticism and a high motor and should make the team, which I will handicap at 70%.

Dave Ball (6-5, 277, 4th) He’s a journeyman from the Jets who played in ten games last year. He has nice size but I’m not expecting much from him. He could earn a back-up spot if one of the younger guys falters. I would say he has a 50% chance of making the team.

Otis Grigsby (6-3, 260, 2nd)
Grigsby made the practice squad last season but has done little to show he deserves a spot on the roster. He will need a miracle to make team which I give him a 5% chance.

Rondell Biggs (6-2, 269, R)
Outside shot to make the practice squad.

Jason Hall (6-2, 253, 1st)
He doesn't seem big enough to make an impact. Lets just call him training camp meat.