Greg Hardy

Hardy continued his ascent as one of the NFL's best young defenders last year, improving his sack total to 15 after posting 11 in 2012, and there's no reason to think he'll slow down from here. Due in part to the four-game suspension of backup end Frank Alexander, there's a good chance Hardy will log a play count in the 900-snap range this year, which would help offset any potential regression in his sack rate. There's also reason to think the Carolina offense will suffer more three-and-outs in 2014 after losing WR Steve Smith and OT Jordan Gross in the offseason, in which case the Carolina defense would likely play more than the 975 snaps it did a year ago. It seems as if Hardy is on the verge of establishing himself as a more-feared defender than fellow end Charles Johnson, but Hardy shouldn't see a disproportionate number of double-teams. The defensive tackle duo of Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short is overpowering to the extent that opposing offensive lines might have reason to keep most of their double-team resources on the interior. Just keep an eye on Hardy's May domestic violence charge in case he faces a suspension.

While Charles Johnson is better paid and better known, it's Hardy who looks like the top IDP option among Carolina defensive ends. Hardy came alive in 2012 despite starting only 10 games, finishing with 61 tackles and 11 sacks. Even after his emergence, Hardy should still see favorable blocking scenarios since Johnson will likely remain the primary concern of offensive lines. The addition of the highly talented rookie defensive tackle duo of Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short will be useful for Hardy, as well. Hardy is a former underachiever who fell to the sixth round of the 2010 draft despite clearly possessing first-round talent, so that could make him a bit of a risk, but you'll notice that pretty much every candidate after the top six has a red flag of some sort, be it low tackle totals, injury issues or scheme change. Hardy's upside makes him worth the gamble.

Hardy will start at defensive end, although the Panthers will need him to pick up his production from last season. He had three sacks in the first five weeks of the 2011 season but recorded only one thereafter.

Hardy was involved in a motorcycle accident during the offseason and is trying to regain his form to get back into football shape. New head coach Ron Rivera has stated that Hardy will start opposite Charles Johnson, if he's healthy, but his 2011 season hinges on how quickly he can get that way.

Rookie defensive end has a lot of upside but has been dogged by negative criticism for a perceived bad attitude and work ethic.