Fansided

5 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers in 2018

By Rucker Haringey

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 07: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) of the Denver Broncos is tackled by defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) of the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, September 8, 2016. (Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) of the Denver Broncos is tackled by defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) of the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter. The Denver Broncos hosted the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, September 8, 2016. (Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

3. Vernon Butler will overtake Dontari Poe

The general manager that drafted Vernon Butler is no longer with the Panthers. Dave Gettleman’s departure makes this an especially big season for the massive defensive tackle. NFL franchises expect first round picks to start to really produce in their third seasons.

At first glance, Butler seems destined to back up Kawann Short and Dontari Poe. Short is one of the best defensive tackles in the game and Poe was handed a sizable contract to fill Star Lotulelei’s spot on the defensive line. The team’s intention is certainly to start Poe and Short together on Week 1.

Butler does have one skill that Poe doesn’t. He’s potentially a much  more disruptive force in the middle. He doesn’t make as many good plays as Poe, but he does make more great ones. If he can solidify his ability to occupy space in the middle, he’s got a shot to knock off the big free agent signing.

Don’t expect to see this change in Week 1. Rivera and company will give Poe every chance to succeed. Watch for Butler to slowly work his way into the rotation. He’ll earn more and more snaps as the season goes on. Eventually, he’ll be the guy next to Short when the first string defense takes the field for the Panthers.

Home/Carolina Panthers