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Panthers' need for edge rushers should come into focus at combine

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera, while recently appearing on ESPN’s First Take at Bank of America Stadium as Charlotte hosted the NBA All-Star Game, said the team was looking for offensive linemen and playmakers to build around quarterback Cam Newton.

True, that is a need.

Protecting the franchise quarterback, particularly one coming off shoulder surgery for the second offseason in three years, is essential to success.

But the more immediate needs are for edge rushers and linebackers as the Panthers attempt to get younger on defense and make a transition to mix in a 3-4 scheme with the 4-3 scheme that has been prevalent since Rivera arrived in 2011.