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Nebraska defensive end Randy Gregory was frequently mentioned as a candidate to go in the top 10 of the draft next month, but a failed drug test for marijuana at the combine might give teams picking early a reason to pass on him.

The Panthers are doing some due diligence to prepare themselves in the event that Gregory keeps falling all the way to the 25th pick of the round. Josina Anderson of ESPN reports that the team is working out Gregory on Monday.

There’s a need for some pass rush help in Carolina with Greg Hardy off the roster, although one wonders how willing the Panthers would be to take on a player who will start his career in the league’s substance abuse program with the risk of a suspension looming over his head.

It doesn’t help that Gregory also had failed drug tests at Nebraska or that he’s had a hard time keeping weight on while going through the pre-draft process. He was a productive player for the Cornhuskers, though, and someone will roll the dice that he can continue to be one in the NFL. Should that not happen in the first 24 picks, Carolina be that someone.