At least, that is what tackle Jordan Gross thinks.

He said Peppers is "bigger, stronger and faster" than he has ever seen him and fully expects him to rebound from a disappointing season in 2007.

"I'll say this with 100 percent confidence, I think he's going to have his best year ever," said Gross, who worked against Peppers in practice every day. "He's better than I've ever seen him. Barring anything unknown, there's no reason he won't go out and set records, I think. He looks really, really good."

After averaging more than 10 sacks per season his first five years in the league, Peppers finished with a disappointing 2.5 sacks in 2007.

"He's as strong and fast and big as I've ever seen him," Gross said. "It's great for me switching back to left again to go against him, because there really isn't going to be anybody better than him this year. If he keeps on the same pace he's on now, he's just going to kill people."

After six seasons at left defensive end, Peppers is moving over to right end, a position he hasn't played since his days at North Carolina.

"It is a new beginning," Peppers said. "It's a new season. I'm excited about it. I'm looking forward to getting started.

"I'm comfortable over there. I'm comfortable on the right side. I played it in college. I played it in high school, the times I did play defense in high school. The left-handed stance is my natural stance. The left hand is my strong hand. There are a lot more moves and power available on that side. I'm excited about being back on the right side."

During the off-season, Peppers rededicated himself to football while working out in Arizona.

"I put a lot of time and effort into getting in shape and being ready to come to camp, getting ready for the season," said Peppers, who is listed as 6-feet-7 and 283 pounds.

He feels like the hard work paid off.

"I feel better this year. I feel a little stronger. I feel a little more powerful, faster and quicker. I've really focused on being better in all areas, not one particular thing. I want to be better everywhere overall."

He also did some self-evaluation after the 2007 season.

Although he didn't talk about the reason for his drop in production, Peppers admits conditioning might have played a role. He was sick for about two weeks last summer in training camp and said that drained him of some of his weight, strength and explosiveness.

"Looking back at last year, it's not a secret that it was disappointing, not only stats-wise, but even to my personal standards," Peppers said. "I did some evaluating and I think I made the necessary adjustments as far as conditioning and getting myself ready to come back this year and make improvements."

CAMP CALENDAR: The Panthers break camp Aug. 13.