With Julius Peppers officially back in the fold, the Panthers can focus on figuring out the rotation of defensive ends that will play opposite Peppers on the left side. Tyler Brayton started at left end last season for Carolina, but he moved inside to tackle on third downs when Charles Johnson typically came in as a pass-rush specialist. While Brayton’s job appears to be safe, Johnson will face a challenge for the third-down snaps from rookie Everette Brown, who eventually could replace Peppers should Peppers depart after playing under the one-year franchise tender this season. The Panthers traded their first-round pick in 2010 to move up in the second round and select Brown, and the plan is for him to contribute from Day One. Johnson did a nice job, tallying six sacks in ’08, which was only his second season, but his role could be diminished if Brown shows he’s able to make plays off the edge.

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.