May 31st 2008 12:22AM by David J. Warner (author feed)
Filed under: Panthers, NFC South, Charlotte, CarolinaMike Rucker’s retirement left a gaping hole at the right defensive end spot for the Carolina Panthers. The team thinks, however, that they have just the man to fill Rucker’s shoes, and he’s been on the roster all along.

Julius Peppers, who has lined up at the left defensive end spot for his entire career in Charlotte, is getting looks on the right side during the offseason. Peppers actually lined up on the right side when he played at UNC, and the thinking is that moving back to his preferred spot will help him overcome his horrific 2.5-sack season, by far his worst as a pro.

Here’s what makes this move interesting. During last year’s late-season game against Dallas, rookie Charles Johnson lined up at left DE in place of an injured Peppers, and while he didn’t have a brilliant game — what rookie defensive end in his first start does — he looked like he had potential to be a disruptive force.

Of course, Johnson is expected to compete with free agent signing Tyler Brayton for a starting job, but if Johnson wins, don’t be surprised to see Peppers take Rucker’s old spot. Anything that helps him get back on track at this stage is a good thing for Carolina.