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Carolina Panthers: Top players to watch against Buffalo Bills

By Brandon Croce

NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 20: Vernon Butler #92 of the Carolina Panthers is blocked by Jeremiah Poutasi #73 of the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 20: Vernon Butler #92 of the Carolina Panthers is blocked by Jeremiah Poutasi #73 of the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 28: Vernon Butler of Louisiana Tech shakes hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #30 overall by the Carolina Panthers during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – APRIL 28: Vernon Butler of Louisiana Tech shakes hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #30 overall by the Carolina Panthers during the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University on April 28, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /

Vernon Butler

There is no question that the former first round pick has been a disappointment since joining the Panthers and is bordering on the infamous ‘bust’ label. Vernon Butler is entering his third season in the NFL and this season will be pivotal to his career.

Butler has played in 24 games over the past two seasons and has only 26 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. This is not the production the Panthers were expecting for a first round pick.

While Butler is not going to find himself in a starting role this season, unless Kawann Short or Dontari Poe suffer an injury, he could still be a major contributor. He has the potential to be an excellent pass rusher from the defensive tackle position with his speed and explosiveness.

Next. Top storylines for the Panthers first preseason game. dark

While the starters are likely to sit most of the game, this could give Butler a chance to show what he is capable of doing with some extended playing time.

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