Carolina Panthers Offseason Moves: Defensive Tackles

Most of the attention this offseason has been focused on Julius Peppers and the defensive end spot of the Carolina Panthers.

But let's take a look at Peppers' teammates on the inside of the line: the defensive tackles. The starters last season, and possibly next season, are Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatu. They were some of the better run stoppers in the NFL, so it's possible that the Panthers won't change the defensive tackle position at all this offseason.

However, if they want to add some depth, or maybe get another starter, here is a list of free agent defensive tackles that they could take a look at: Albert Haynesworth (Titans), Gabe Watson (Cards), Jovan Haye (Bucs), Tank Johnson (Cowboys), Shuan Cody (Lions), and Grady Jackson (Falcons).

It's not a very deep class of free agents, but the biggest star of them all is Albert Haynesworth.

He's demanding a lot of money (actually he wants the be the highest paid defensive tackle in the league), but he would be worth it. I don't know what the Panthers' cap room looks like, but Haynesworth has stated that Carolina is one of the teams that he would like to go to because they are close to home.

If the Panthers don't sign a defensive tackle, then they could look for one in the draft.

Here is a list of defensive tackles in this year's draft: BJ Raji (BC), Peria Jerry (Ole Miss), Sen'Derrick Marks (Auburn), Evander Hood (Missouri), Ron Brace (BC), Fila Moala (USC), and Dorell Scott (Clemson).

I don't think that the Panthers would use a first day pick on a DT because they have more pressing needs. I think that if they do draft a DT, it would be in a later round. Or they could sign one or try to trade for one, which I don't see happening.