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Report: Carolina Panthers sign DTs Star Lotulelei, Kawann Short

The Panthers drafted Star Lotulelei after he received medical clearance for a heart condition. (Lance King/Getty Images)

The Panthers drafted Star Lotulelei after he received medical clearance for a heart condition. (Lance King/Getty Images)

The Panthers hope they have solidified their defensive line of the future with two contract agreements Wednesday. The team signed first-round draft pick Star Lotulelei in the afternoon -- according to his agency via Twitter -- after coming to an agreement with second-round pick Kawann Short earlier in the day.

Carolina stocked up on defensive tackles with their first two draft picks selecting Lotulelei (Utah) with the 14th overall pick and Short (Purdue) with the 44th pick. Lotulelei and Short became the earliest defensive tackles taken by the Panthers since Kris Jenkins in 2001.

BURKE: Star Lotulelei benefits from great Pro Day, medical clearance

Lotulelei (6-2, 311) is considered to be more of a run-stopper. Short (6-3, 299) had 19.5 sacks at Purdue and is expected to add special teams value having blocked eight kicks in four seasons at Purdue.

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