CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It's been 17 years since the Carolina Panthers used a first-round pick on a true edge rusher.
It worked out, too. North Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers was the second overall pick in 2002. Peppers, who recently retired, finished his career fourth on the NFL’s all-time sacks list with 159.5 and seems destined to be a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection.
Based on pre-draft visits and the team's free-agent moves, the Panthers seem ready to end this draft drought and use the 16th pick of the draft on April 25 to find a long-term replacement for Peppers.