The Carolina Panthers made significant efforts to boost their edge rotation this offseason. First, they signed veteran linebacker/defensive end and former first-round pick Bruce Irvin. Then in the NFL draft they used their first pick on Brian Burns and then later added Christian Miller on Day 3.
These additions should in theory help improve the team’s depth and overall outlook at this spot. However, they’ll still be relying heavily on a player who wasn’t drafted at all. Last season, Mario Addison led the Panthers with nine sacks and was their most consistent pass rusher.
Addison has never really gotten a lot of attention from the media, but going into 2019 he’s getting some love. Andy Benoit at Sports Illustrated made Addison part of his all-undrafted team’s defensive line, along with Shaquil Barrett, Cameron Wake and Michael Bennett.
Addison’s career arc is about as unconventional as they come, but he’s living proof that you don’t need to get drafted to make a strong career for yourself in the NFL. From 2011-2013, Addison only started three games.
His big chance came in 2014, when Addison saw a big increase in playing time. Addison posted 6.5 sacks that year and has never looked back. He finally became a full-time starter in 2017 and appears to be playing better than ever after 111 career games.
Now that Julius Peppers has retired, Addison is the elder statesman for his position group. Carolina will need him to continue performing at a high level as well as setting an example for the younger EDGE payers on the roster.
