Everette Brown

Will compete for a starting role along the defensive line, but will likely only be used in certain situations.

Brown is entering what could be a franchise year for the young defensive end. He will be taking over Julius Peppers' vacated spot at right end, and the Panthers front office had enough faith in his ability that they traded away their 2010 first round draft choice in order to acquire him in the second round of the 2009 draft. At 6-1 and 258 lbs. Brown is undersized for his position, but his speed is impressive and has been compared to premier pass rushing ends such as Dwight Freeney.

The Panthers may have gotten one of the steals of the 2009 NFL Draft when Brown fell into the second round and they were able to snag him with the 43rd overall pick. Brown projects as a potential replacement at defensive end for Julius Peppers, whose future in Carolina beyond 2009 is very much in doubt. He could get a chance to start as a rookie, but Brown will have to outperform Charles Johnson and Tyler Brayton for that chance.