Charles Johnson News

The Carolina Panthers' trash-talking defensive end got leaner during the offseason, dropping nearly 15 pounds.

A determined Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly makes his way to the practice fields for NFL football practice in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, May 23, 2013.

Not all aspects of the 2012 Carolina Panthers defense struck fear into the hearts of opposing teams, however, I am of the belief that our pair of nasty defensive ends most certainly did.

Time for an afternoon run through some news and notes from around the division: ATLANTA FALCONS Daniel Cox puts Jessie Tuggle at No.

Dave Gettleman has preached patience when looking at the Carolina Panthers' team needs, but is this approach more smoke than substance? Despite a successful draft, the Carolina Panthers still have myriad needs left unfilled.

The WWE and the NFL are a lot alike. Below you will see a few examples of how closely related the WWE and the Carolina Panthers are to each other.

Then again, he didn't expect Purdue's Kawann Short would be there in the middle of the second round.

There is a lot to be excited for, but there are significant pitfalls the Panthers need to avoid this year.

The selection of Star Lotulelei by the Carolina Panthers was the perfect union of best player available meeting need.

Will any of Carolina's undrafted free agent signings find a home on the final roster? Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports The Carolina Panthers wrapped up their draft last weekend and jumped right into the free-agent pool once the final pick was made.

The NFL draft is in the rear-view mirror, and the Carolina Panthers are ready to embark upon rookie minicamp and their upcoming organized team activities .

BUCS: Tampa Bay stayed patient and filled some needs, moving up to draft Roy Miller's replacement in DT Akeem Spence.

With the selection of Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei , the Carolina Panthers got the instant impact defensive tackle they coveted with the 14th overall pick in the 2013 draft.

The middle rounds of the draft may be where great general managers make their money, but hitting or missing on first-round picks can make or break a franchise.

He was the first top-50 choice the Panthers have used on a defensive tackle since Kris Jenkins in 2001, and in the ideal world he will be the player who occupies two blockers inside and frees up Luke Kuechly to make tons of tackles and Greg Hardy and Charles Johnson to rush the passer more effectively.

North Carolina's Sylvester Williams sacks Miami quarterback Jacory Harris for a loss during a 2011 game at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill.