Ron Rivera’s defenses in Carolina have always been focused on having a strong front seven. He has spent four first round draft picks on the likes of Luke Kuechly, Shaq Thompson, Star Lotulelei, and Vernon Butler. The only real noise that the Panthers have made in free agency since Rivera’s hire has been the signings of defensive end Julius Peppers and defensive tackle Dontari Poe. The philosophy is that if you can stop the run and rush the passer then having talent in the defensive backfield is, well, secondary.
2018 NFL Draft: Carolina Panthers must draft a defensive end
