Our defense is the polar opposite of the Panthers unit. They have a big DL who can get pressure with just 4 all game long. Actually they have a rotation of 5-6 guys who can get to the QB in a pinch. They have 2 All Pro LBs and another rising star in Shaq Thompson. Their secondary aren't the best athletes, struggle in man coverage, but well coached in zone. Since they get a good 4 man rush, they can sit back in their zones and make plays on the ball. Panthers don't do much schematically, but they are a physical group that can tackle and avoid mental errors.
DL: Chandler Jones would have to bulk up again to play DE in that scheme and wouldn't have the schematical freedom he had this season, therefore being more predictable. Still would be a force most likely. On the inside we don't have the players to pull it off. Nkemdiche would be perfect as a 4-3 under DT, but honestly you can't count on him anymore. If he delivers, fine. But he really hasn't shown much to believe he can be a good starter next season. Olsen Pierre, who really is a promising player, wouldn't be a good scheme fit. His best chance would probably be slimming down a bit and try as a base end because he has size going for him. Golden hasn't shown good enough run and QB contain ability you need as a 4-3 end. He seems very maxed out to me, and in a 4-3 he would be nothing more than a designated rusher on passing downs. Just not the frame of a 4-3 end. I love his motor and spirit though, but 3-4 is much better for him. Reddick most likely a designated pass rusher too in 4-3.
LB: Bucannon could probably make a good 4-3 weakside LB. Similar to Thomas Davis if Buc makes that leap. Other than that, there isn't much to work with. Reddick isn't your typical off-ball LB. In a 4-3 he is a pass rushing DE imo, just like at Temple. We have no Mike LB. Most important position in that scheme. Heart and soul of any 4-3 defense. Panthers have Kuechly, the best to ever do it imo.
DB: Peterson is All Pro in any scheme. Maybe he can improve in zone coverage in a more zone-heavy scheme. Would probably set career high in interceptions. Mathieu is so smart in some aspects of the game, but he gets beaten in zone over the middle all the time. A more complex scheme where he can roam around suits him better. Budda I think shows more promise in zone. CB2 is a building lot anyway. Also the Panthers scheme requires very strong physical DBs. Our unit doesn't fit that mold at all.
So it looks like Wilks is going to be our HC. If he insista on using the Panthers scheme, he is at risk of setting us back a couple years and therefore being done quickly. However, I think he is smart enough to not totally mess up our scheme. Of course he will install many new packages. But our defense is build on aggressive blitzing and tight man coverage. He could improve the 4 man rush and zone coverage, but I don't see us reaching Panthers level anytime soon unless Keim aces the draft and FA. Remember, the 3-4 or 4-3 aspect isn't much of an issue, but scheming. 4 man rush and zone defense versus heavy blitzing and man coverage. Wilks will have to find a good mix and eventually transition to the Panthers scheme smoothly. Right now we just don't have the pieces.
