With just over a week before the draft was schedule to commence, it didn't appear there a trade was in the works and general manager Marty Hurney seems to believe Peppers will be playing for Carolina this season.

"We franchised him and it's really no different than any other player who has been franchised," Hurney said. "We, as part of the franchise process with the non-exclusive tag, are not involved really in (trade scenarios). When we franchised Julius we did so with the intention of having him back -- and that's where it stands."

Of course that doesn't mean things won't change before the draft with a phone call.

That would entail a number of things coming to fruition, including Peppers first agreeing to a trade and then signing a long-term contract with his new team as well as the Panthers getting what they view as adequate compensation for the four-time Pro Bowl selection and former No. 2 overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft.

If the Panthers remain status quo, they will need to address concerns on the offensive and defensive line, as well as cornerback. Wide receiver and tight end are other options, but quarterback isn't as pressing of a need as people think.

"You always prepare for everything," Hurney said. "That is what I mean by being open-minded. This time last year before the draft I couldn't have told you that we were going to have two first-rounders. But I think you are always looking to do things in the draft. That is part of the fun of it and the challenge of it.

"And you are looking at ways to make yourself better. There are some years you don't move at all. There are other years you move more. It goes along with being open-minded and flexible."

TEAM NEEDS: Defensive end, defensive tackle, offensive line.

DE -- The Panthers still need to find a long-term replacement for Julius Peppers even if he decided to sign his tender and play for Carolina this season. The team can use depth at this position -- so it's time to start grooming a replacement.

DT -- One of Carolina's weaknesses last year was a lack of depth in the middle of the line. The Panthers need to add a body to help out Damione Lewis and Maake Kemoeatu. Both Lewis and Kemoeatu got banged up toward the end of last season and the team needs to do something to ease the pounding they absorb on a week-to-week basis.

OL -- After losing their top three backups in a span of four days, Carolina's offensive line depth has been depleted. The team has nobody on the bench they should feel comfortable putting in the starting lineup next season.