For the third of these weekly IDP and Team Defense Reports we are going to shift our attention to the NFC, after covering a pair of AFC teams in the first two articles, and turn the focus to the Carolina Panthers and their defense. I would again offer to profile any team that has not already been covered if you want to send a suggestion to the e-mail address in the final paragraph of this article.

The Carolina defense is one to target in your fantasy drafts, especially if you like to take your D/ST in the last couple of rounds of your draft. Certainly they deserve consideration as the 6th-10th pick in most standard fantasy leagues. In 2016, the squad was second in the number of sacks produced, and tied for second in interceptions. The defense also managed to score three touchdowns during the course of the season. The team did lose a top LB, when A.J. Klein signed with the Saints, and there are concerns about their other top LB, Luke Kuechly, who could be out of football should he suffer another serious concussion anytime soon.

The team also has a new defensive coordinator in Steve Wilks, who was formerly the defensive backs coach, but who moved up in the ranks when Sean McDermott went to Buffalo.

The defensive line is strong up the middle with Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. Lotulelei did have surgery to clear out his shoulder this off-season, but is expected to be ready for training camp and return to his role of engaging offensive blockers routinely. Short serves as an effective pass rusher while Lotulelei ties up opposing offensive linesmen. Last season, Lotulelei racked up 26 tackles (14 solo) with four sacks, a pass defended (PD) and a forced fumble while playing in 702 of the team’s defensive snaps. Short was on the field for 772 defensive snaps, where he picked up six sacks, three PD and 55 total tackles, 30 of those being of the solo variety. In a DT-mandatory league, each player has significant IDP value.

At the corners of the defensive line, Carolina features the dependable duo of Charles Johnson and Julius Peppers. Johnson has been dealing with injuries of late, but Peppers is in his 16th NFL season and shows no signs of slowing down. There are better general DLs to target, but Johnson and Peppers are usually available on the wire for bye week or matchup friendly pickups.

The big name among the linebackers is of course Luke Kuechly, who is generally among the first IDPs to be drafted every season. The question with Keuchly is his ability to stay on the field, as he has suffered concussion issues in the past. If you draft him, be prepared for him to miss time or even retire from the NFL. This is a high reward/high risk player in the IDP world, but when he is on the field, there are few better than him.

The strong side LB position currently belongs to Thomas Davis, who is now a savvy veteran at the age of 34-years old. Expect that his snap count will diminish, as the team will want to keep him fresh during the course of the season, and may shift Shaq Thompson occasionally from his usual position at weak side LB to SLB. Do not discount Davis much, however, as he still can provide blitzing skills and will accumulate a good amount of tackles when he is on the field. All three of the starting LB crew are good IDP draft candidates, although the risk of injury to Keuchly and the diminishing playing time for Davis are concerns.

Defensive backfield has some promise with Daryl Worley and James Bradberry now past their rookie campaigns and ready to settle in as the starting corners for the Panthers. Bradberry did injury his wrist in mini-camp but is expected to be ready for the upcoming training camp. If your league values tackles, Worley is the guy to target here, as teams seem intent on attacking his side of the field. Captain Munnerlyn was re-signed to provide veteran depth at corner, and has the potential to see significant snaps on the defense.

The team brought aboard Mike Adams to serve as strong safety, to take advantage of his tackling abilities, as he racked up 79 total tackles with the Colts last season (62 solos). The Panthers are looking for Kurt Coleman to return to free safety, and take advantage of his “nose for the ball” skill set. Coleman had seven PD and four INT in 2016, and you should expect those numbers to rise with the change in position.

Any of the four starting DBs are worthy of a draft selection, especially in tackle-oriented IDP leagues and do not forget about Munnerlyn as a waiver wire option if injuries hit your roster.

As ever, good luck and Godspeed in your fantasy efforts. Make sure to read all of our great articles to help you win your fantasy match ups every week and ultimately bask in championship glory. If you have any fantasy football questions, especially about IDP leagues, send your inquires to ia@fantasyalarm.com.