Panthers' defensive line ranked 15th by PFF ahead of 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 9:35 PM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026
The Carolina Panthers' defensive line has been ranked 15th in the NFL by Pro Football Focus as the 2026 season approaches. Derrick Brown remains a standout performer, supported by recent additions like Jaelan Phillips and Lee Hunter. However, concerns linger regarding last year's signings, Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III, both of whom have underperformed and face injury challenges. If they can improve, it could enhance the overall effectiveness of the defensive unit this season.
- •Derrick Brown is considered one of the top performers at defensive tackle.
- •Jaelan Phillips played a career-high 819 snaps in 2025.
- •Tershawn Wharton is currently sidelined with a neck injury.
- •Bobby Brown III has struggled since joining the Panthers.
- •The team signed Phillips and drafted Lee Hunter to bolster the line.
- 9:35 PMYahoo Sports — Panthers' defensive line gets mediocre ranking from PFF
"The Panthers' defensive front lands in the middle of PFF's rankings.
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