All Panthers

Carolina Panthers hosting two high-end defensive prospects today

The worst defense in the league in 2024 added some veterans this offseason. The Panthers continue to evaluate young talent in preparation for the NFL draft
Russell Baxter|
Sep 28, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Walter Nolen (2) waits for the snap during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive linemen Walter Nolen (2) waits for the snap during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images | Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

In this story:

Carolina Panthers

How bad was the defense for the Carolina Panthers this past season? The team allowed 179.8 yards per game rushing, and held one opponent in 17 games below the century mark on the ground.

How inept has the Panthers’ pass rush been the past two seasons? The club has totaled a combined 59 sacks in its last 34 outings, four fewer sacks than the Denver Broncos (63) managed in 2024.

General manager Dan Morgan added performers such as Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton and edge rusher Patrick Jones II to the front seven. The team has nine picks in this year's draft, and is looking at some more help in this area as well.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had this scouting report on Walter Nolen. The 6’4”, 296-pound prospect can get after the quarterbacks, and should be able to help with that deplorable run defense. “Nolen has NFL-starting size but won’t blow you away with his physical traits. However, he gains quick advantages with his explosiveness into contact and ability to beat up blockers when singled up.

“He has the athletic talent to play into gaps but needs to play with better hands to keep himself clean at the point of attack. He wins as a rusher with his athleticism and play strength, and doesn’t need to be schemed for. The pass rush still requires refinement, but he already flashes quick-win moves that foreshadow good pressure and sack production as a pro. Nolen’s blend of explosiveness and playmaking talent create high upside as a three-down interior lineman.”

Donovan Ezeiruaku
Nov 16, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston College Eagles defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku (6) in action during the game between the SMU Mustangs and the Boston College Eagles at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Carolina finished with just 32 sacks this past season, tied for the third-fewest in the league. This after totaling an NFL-low 27 sacks the previous season. Boston College’s Donovan Eezeiruaku comes off a career campaign, and totaled 30.0 sacks in four years (47 games) with the Golden Eagles. Zierlein compared the 6’2 1/2”, 248-pound defender to well-traveled edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

NFL’s best tight end linked to Carolina Panthers as trade target

2025 NFL draft: Panthers to meet with intriguing triple threat

Bryce Young is asked what Panthers should do with the 8th pick

Panthers urged to make appalling trade for declining Cowboys QB 

Published
Russell Baxter
RUSSELL BAXTER

Russell S. Baxter has been writing and researching the game of football for more than 40 years, and on numerous platforms. That includes television, as he spent more than two decades at ESPN, and was part of shows that garnered five Emmy Awards. He also spent the 2015 NFL season with Thursday Night Football on CBS/NFLN.