The Carolina Panthers should consider picking Sweat at No. 16.

Replacing Julius Peppers is going to be an impossible task. To ask the next defensive end for the Carolina Panthers to do so would be unfair expectations. However, one potential draft pick appears to be ready for the challenge. Montez Sweat wants to help the Carolina Panthers and their pass rush. Not only does he want to help them, he is confident that he can replace what Peppers brought to the table.

He is a bully on the football field. His size and length allows him to be an effective edge rusher, and can throw off the quarterbacks timing with ease. He has the rare ability to be able to affect a play without even recording a tackle or a sack. His disruption to offensive lines allows other players to get free from their man and make plays. He could truly be a player that benefits the entire Carolina Panthers defense. That is exactly what Peppers was able to do during his career. Although he may not have made the sack or the tackle every time the ball was snapped, he still affected the play enough to where it was blown up offensively.

As some of you may recall, the Carolina Panthers met with Sweat earlier this month. He would definitely be a viable draft option for the Carolina Panthers with the 16th overall pick. Florida State defensive end Brian Burns is another name that has been thrown around throughout the interview and combine process but I feel like Sweat is the purer of the pass rushers. Measuring in at six-foot-six, 245 pounds, he can bulrush his opposition with ease. That is exactly the type of player the Panthers need. Having a young, impactful player that can create havoc for opposing offensive lines is something the Panthers have been missing for quite some time.

On Friday, Sweat was a guest on WFNZ’s Wilson & Parcell. With so many comparisons being made between his play style and that of Julius Peppers, he talked a bit about potentially being able to replace a legend. His confidence was very noticeable and is encouraging for any team that drafts him.

“He’s a freakish athlete – Like myself, I’m safe to say,” laughed Sweat. “I know he spent a lot of time getting after the quarterback. Another thing I admire, he played so long in the league. Just great to look at, man. I just hope to have the opportunity to play as long as that in the league. “As far as taking his place: Man, those some big shoes to fill. But I’m definitely up to the challenge. I feel like I can be that guy that on third-down is gonna get you that sack.”

I love to hear that confidence from Sweat. He is cocky yet humble, and that is something I definitely appreciate. As far as being the guy that can make a key sack on third-down? I certainly don’t doubt it. He tallied 8.5 sacks last year and 10.5 sacks in 2017. Getting after the quarterback was one of Sweat’s specialties.

I would love to see this guy in Charlotte on Sundays. Obviously I’m not the general manager and do not have the final say in anything, but for now I would consider either Burns or Sweat with the 16th pick. Both have big-play potential. That is exactly what the Panthers need and it would certainly make the fans rest easier on Sunday knowing they have added talent that can make an impact on defense.