Panthers’ Problems: Progress, pitfalls and the path forward
The Carolina Panthers faced numerous issues this season, but by the end of the year, the most glaring problem was their league-worst defense. While the scheme may have played a role in their inability to stop opposing offenses, the personnel certainly didn’t help.
The traditional 3-4 defense has historically relied on a base of larger, more physical players in the front seven. Think of past Steelers teams or the Patriots of the 2010s. Three down linemen, with ends weighing 310-320 pounds, and a nose tackle like Casey Hampton or Vince Wilfork anchoring the middle, were staples of this system. The nose tackle commanded constant double teams, while ends like Richard Seymour were capable of doing the same.
Now, fast forward to the Panthers in 2024. They featured a nose tackle weighing just 305 pounds and two defensive ends who didn’t crack the 300-pound threshold. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero opted for a modified version of the 3-4, favoring lighter yet longer players up front. However, the results of this plan landed him on the hot seat by season’s end. The team could point to Derrick Brown’s injury as a contrubuting factor, but the reality is that continuing to use "4-3" players in a 3-4 scheme will lead to the same disappointing results.
The Panthers need to get bigger up front—not just with the three down linemen, but also on the edge and at linebacker. When the Ravens transitioned from their historically dominant 4-3 defense to a 3-4, even Ray Lewis had to add 15-20 pounds to thrive in this system. Right now, the Panthers must prioritize finding a true nose tackle in the mold of Casey Hampton to anchor the middle. Derrick Brown can solidify one defensive end spot, and A'Shawn Robinson could serve as a temporary fix for the other.
At linebacker, Trevin Wallace has solid potential, and Josey Jewell is a proven veteran, but their size does not meet the NFL standard for this scheme. A lack of size in the middle of the linebacker corps can be offset by a larger nose tackle. Ideally, these spots should be manned by bigger, more physical linebackers who can take on guards and shed blocks; ie, James Farrior in Pittsburgh's defense.
The Panthers obviously need immediate help across the defense. Players like Abdul Carter, Mason Graham, Jalon Walker, and Mykel Williams have all been mocked (mock drafted) to them, and all of these players would have roles in this system. However, it’s equally important for the Panthers to hit on players in the mid-rounds—something they have struggled with in recent years. Mid-round picks can serve as depth players in their rookie seasons but must be developed into future replacements for veterans like Jewell and Robinson.
Finding Trait Players in the Later Rounds
One of the biggest lessons successful teams teach is the importance of finding "trait players" in the later rounds of the draft. These are players who may not be complete prospects but possess one standout quality that fits a specific need. For the Panthers, that could mean targeting size in the defensive front and linebacker, and length in the secondary.
Hitting on these kinds of players is critical for depth and long-term development. The Panthers must hit on the 8th pick, but they have to start to build a pipeline of players who can step in when injuries occur or veterans age out of their roles.
The bottom line is this: even though many fans might prefer a return to the 4-3 defense, that change is unlikely under owner David Tepper, who mandated the switch to the 3-4. For the Panthers to improve, they must bring in players whose physical traits match the demands of the scheme. Yes, they need pass rushers, defensive tackles, linebackers, safeties, and corners—but more importantly, they need players who are the right fit to succeed within this system.