Panthers Roster Evaluation - DT

The strength of the Panthers defense is the defensive line and that starts up front with the beef in the middle, the defensive tackles. The Panthers play a 4-3 base defense so you have two tackles sandwiched between two DE’s. These guys are responsible for engaging blockers, hopefully more than one, at the point of attach so the linebackers can clean up the tackle. If they make the tackle then that’s even better. On a pass play, these guys try to get a push and collapse the pocket forcing the QB outside and into the waiting arms of the DE’s. Either way you want these guys to be big and strong and the Panthers have a number of guys that fit the bill. There are four players in my estimate who are locks to make the squad: Jenkins, Kemo, Lewis, and Carstens. That’s leaves five guys competing for two spots.

Kris Jenkins (6-4, 335, 7th)
Jenkins had another Pro Bowl year in 2006 though not many people want to give him credit for that. He was pretty much off the radar until he got waived around as trade bait prior to the draft. The Panthers wanted a 1st rounder but the best offer they had was a second. They may regret not taking that deal (Safeties Aaron Rouse and John Weddling were still on the board!) but I’m hoping just the opposite. I like the idea of having 700 lbs up front to stop the run. Since then Jenkins has been catching a lot of flack for his weight and for not showing up for OTA’s. The only question is whether he will be an attitude problem for the Panthers this year. I don’t know Kris personally so I have no idea how he will handle the adversity. I can only hope he is professional about it and realizes it was a business decision. Regardless, I expect another good year from Kris and am glad he’s still on the team.

Maake Kemoeatu (6-5, 345, 6th)
The big Samoan was signed away from Baltimore prior to 2006 and had an ok year with 42 tackles. I think the Panthers were expecting a little more from him given that he had a Pro Bowler next to him that was drawing double teams. He will again start and anchor the line unless Lewis has an impressive camp. Teaming with Jenkins these two should again give a lot of offensive linemen plenty to prepare for.

Damione Lewis (6-2, 301, 7th)
Another FA signing prior to 2006 that came over from St. Louis. Lewis is a former 1st rounder who never seemed to live up to expectations in St. Louis. He had a decent year as a back-up last season and he got some props from the coaching staff after OTA’s. He may push either Jenkins or Kemo for a starting spot if either doesn’t appear to be working hard. In the meantime he is our top back-up.

Jordan Carstens (6-5, 300, 4th)
Carstens is a former UDFA who has made a name for himself as a back-up for the Panthers. He’s the kind of guy you like to see do well because no one gave him a chance back in 2004 yet here he is again competing and in my view a lock to make the roster. I realize he was hurt most of 2006 and needs time to shake the rust off but I don’t care. I like the big goon from Iowa. I know the term "high motor" is cliché these days but it really fits this guy. He’s completely bonsai when he’s on the field and I would love to see him in the rotation. He could very well push Lewis for the top back-up spot if he stays healthy.

Kindall Moorehead (6-2, 285, 5th)
Moorehead started 12 games for the Panthers in 2004 when Jenkins got hurt the first time. Since then he has been a pretty steady back-up. Though he’s not as big as you would like, he looks mean as hell and seems to be a good passing down specialist that likes to get after the QB. I’ll give Kindall a 70% chance of sticking with the team another year.

Chad Lavalais (6-1, 310, 3rd)
I thought this Cajun was going to be a star when he won the National Championship at LSU but for some reason he didn’t stick with Atlanta. He apparently sat out last season after being waived. That’s not a good sign so I give him a 40% chance of making the cut.

Stephen Williams (6-2, 306, 2nd)
Williams come over from KC after spending the majority of 2006 on the practice squad. His college career included stops at three different schools finally settling on NW Illinois St. I’m not dogging the school but its no football power and it also suggests Williams may not be the sharpest tack in the drawer. Regardless I think he is just training camp meat with about a 15% chance of making the team. Things will be a little more humid here Mr. Williams than in KC or Illinois, so you better get used to it.

Brent Curvey (6-0, 295, R)
Curvey is a four year starter from Iowa State whose nickname was "Big Play Curvey". He’s another UDFA who is going to sweat his nads off in the SC humidity. Ol’ Big Play will need a big play or twelve just to make the practice squad.

Gary Gibson (6-2, 285, 2nd)
Gibson was the starting DT for the Hamburg Sea Devils this past season in NFL Europa. He comes to camp sporting a championship ring from Hamburg, but that won’t even get you a hotdog here. Prior to that he played for Rutgers. He could make the practice squad, or actually make the team as a special teamer.