Carolina Panthers: The Five Players To Decide the Season

Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) celebrates his sack with teammate Star Lotulelei (98) on Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the first quarter during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) celebrates his sack with teammate Star Lotulelei (98) on Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) in the first quarter during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
carolina panthers
Feb 2, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei addresses the media at press conference prior to Super Bowl 50 at the San Jose McNery Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
  1. Star Lotulelei

The mighty defensive tackle from Utah enters the year on his final rookie year extension. This effectively makes it a contract year for Lotulelei. He will be eyeing the big contract at the end of the tunnel and don’t think he is not aware of what money Kawann gets whenever Short’s new deal comes through.

The emergence of Short also makes Lotulelei’s job a little easier on the line. Teams will be focusing on the Pro Bowler with their blocking schemes, and that allows Star the opportunity to impose his bulk more freely.

The Panthers pass rush will be a work in progress at the beginning of the year. The tag team of Ealy and Charles Johnson is back with Mario Addison to back them up, but they will need as much eating of blocks as the interior linemen can give them. Enter Star Lotulelei.

Next: Two