The Panthers owe a great deal of credit to Dave Gettleman for what he has been able to accomplish in his short tenure as general manager, but perhaps his crowning achievement thus far has been the famous "DT Double Dip" in the 2013 NFL Draft. When Star Lotulelei unexpectedly fell into the Panther's laps, it was as close to a no-brainer as 1st round picks can get, however, it was the 2nd round selection of Kawann Short where Gettleman showed his hand as a guy who believes you win games in the trenches. Both picks have been outstanding for the team, and turned a unit that was one of the worst in football the prior year, featuring such household names as Sione Fua and Terrel McClain, into one of the best. Let's take a look at each player at a position where stats don't always tell the tale.
Star Lotulelei
2014 | G | Tkl | TFL | Sack | PD |
14 | 25 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
By the numbers, Star was not as effective in 2014 as he was in his rookie season, but again, we are looking at a position where stats tend to lie. Look no further than the playoff game against Seattle which he missed due to a fractured foot for proof of his importance to this defense. Star has been everything the Panthers wanted him to be when they selected him as their first round pick in 2013. A big, strong, athletic, high motor interior lineman who commands a double team giving Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis room to roam free and make plays. Billed so far as healthy and ready for action, Star will remain a key contributor on the Panther's stifling defense, and is poised for a great 3rd season. Hopefully, we see the return of this...
Chance of starting: 75%, Chance of making the roster: 100%
Kawann Short
2014 | G | Tkl | TFL | Sack | FF | FR | PD |
16 | 40 | 4 | 3.5 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Where Star may have been perceived as taking a slight step back, "KK" took a massive leap forward in his second season. Short displayed the pass-rushing acumen and better than advertised run defense that fully validated Dave Gettleman's double dip at the DT position. Possesing strong agility for an interior linemen and a tendency to win at the point of attack while facing one-on-one blocking, Short was able to get consistent pressure up the middle and collapse the pocket making all opposing QBs consistently uncomfortable. KK has locked down the under-tackle role in this defense, but none of our tackles can ever be considered a 100% chance to start due to how heavily we rotate personnel.
Chance of starting: 75%, Chance of making the roster: 100%
Colin Cole
2014 | G | Tkl | TFL | FR |
16 | 28 | 5 | 1 |
Colin Cole is in the twilight of his career, but has been a good consistent rotational NT for the Panthers in his two seasons with the team. While he is only a two down lineman at this point, that is all the team needs him to be. Even asked to carry a starters load when Star was out due to injury, he did a commendable job. Colin is known as one of those blue collar guys who just shows up and goes to work, lunchpale in hand (actually probably several lunchpales... or maybe a lunchdrum...), and judging by his Twitter feed seems like the kind of guy you'd want to have a beer with. This will probably be his last season in the league, but I fully expect him to make the roster barring injury.
Chance of starting: 25%, Chance of making the roster: 90%
Dwan Edwards
2014 | G | Tkl | TFL | Sack | PD | INT |
16 | 40 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Dwan Edwards, like Colin Cole, is nearing the end of his career, but has been a valuable contributor at UT since joining the team. His production has been pretty consistent, and he's always a threat to get to the quarterback. Dwan sees most of his action on passing downs or while the team is playing with a lead, and is still an important piece of the rotation. Unless one of the rookies really shines, I expect his role will continue from last year.
Chance of starting: 25%, Chance of making the roster: 90%
Kyle Love
2014 | G | Tkl | TFL | Sack | PD |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
After a promising career beginning in New England, Kyle Love is on his 3rd team in three seasons. He'll need to outshine the rookies and hope that the Panthers wish to bring five hogmollies to the pig pickin' to secure a spot on the team for the 2nd consecutive season. Given the youth the Panthers have at the position with two solid veteran rotational/situational guys ahead of him, Love does have the inside track on any theoretical 5th spot, since he has shown he can play in this league in the past.
Chance of making the roster: 7%
Chas Alecxih, Terry Redden, Micanor Regis
These three unknowns have a tough road ahead to have a shot at making the roster as the Panthers are fairly well set at the position. But you never know when injury or age may open the door. They are all young and hungry, and will give it the best shot they have. Chances are good that their best shot onto the team relies on the Panthers keeping 5 DTs on the roster, and one of them outperforming Kyle Love in preseason.
Chance of each making the roster: 1%