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Panthers: Youth movement in effect

PFF-headlinesRecently the Panthers have called upon draft picks to be a major part of the game plan at the start of their careers.

In 2012 they drafted Luke Kuechly, Amini Silatolu, Frank Alexander, Josh Norman, and Brad Nortman. Silatolu started 15 games and played 93% of offensive snaps. Kuechly started all 16 games, played 88% of snaps, and won Defensive Rookie of the Year. Norman started 12 games playing on 88% of snaps, with Alexander playing 52% of snaps. Nortman has been their punter ever since Week 1 of 2012.

In 2013 they drafted Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short while signing Melvin White after the draft. Lotulelei started all 17 games while playing 61% of snaps. White started 10 games and was on the field  77% of the time, with Short contributing on nearly 51% of snaps.

All of these players are still contributors this season, yet the heavy reliance on rookies has continued. Kelvin Benjamin has taken over as the No. 1 wide out, playing 89% of offensive snaps. Trai Turner has played 64% of the teams snaps at right guard, Bene Benwikere is the team's primary slot cornerback, and undrafted free agent, Philly Brown has been serving as the return man.

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