Carolina Panthers Pre-Draft Depth Chart: Defense

We're less than one week away from the 2023 NFL Draft and the Carolina Panthers are looking to add more bodies that fit into Ejiro Evero's 3-4 defensive scheme.

But what does the depth chart look like as of today? Here would be my guess.

DE: Derrick Brown, Henry Anderson

NT: Shy Tuttle, Bravvion Roy, John Penisini, Marquan McCall

DE: DeShawn Williams

OLB: Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes Sr.

ILB: Frankie Luvu, Brandon Smith, Chandler Wooten

ILB: Shaq Thompson, Kamu Grugier-Hill

OLB: Brian Burns, Amaré Barno

CB: Jaycee Horn, C.J. Henderson, Stantley Thomas-Oliver III

FS: Xavier Woods, Sam Franklin Jr.

SS: Vonn Bell

CB: Donte Jackson, Keith Taylor Jr.

NB: Jeremy Chinn, Eric Rowe

Biggest strength: Safety. With the free agent signing of Vonn Bell, the back end of the Panthers' defense looks really solid. Bell, Xavier Woods, Eric Rowe, and Sam Franklin Jr. all playing a role allows Jeremy Chinn to roam and play multiple spots, specifically the nickel.

Biggest weakness: Pass rush. Aside from Brian Burns, the Panthers don't really have anyone on the roster that is going to strike fear in an opposing quarterback. The defensive line is okay but could use some help. Does that pass rusher come by way of a defensive end or outside linebacker in this 3-4 scheme? My guess would be outside backer but a lot of it will depend on how they line these guys up. If the Panthers have an opportunity to take a pass rusher at 39, they need to do it. You can't bank on Yetur Gross-Matos or DeShawn Williams.

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