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DEFENSIVE LINE (9): Mario Addison, Kony Ealy, Greg Hardy, Wes Horton, Charles Johnson, Colin Cole, Dwan Edwards, Star Lotulelei, Kawann Short

An embarrassment of riches that doesn’t even include the suspended Frank Alexander.

Hardy and Johnson should each be healthy for the season opener, though Johnson’s hamstring will be worth watching.

So many options, so many rotations.

LINEBACKERS (6): Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, Chase Blackburn, A.J. Klein, Jason Williams, Ben Jacobs

Not as loaded as the defensive line, but a couple elite guys at the top in Kuechly and Davis.

Blackburn and Klein will each have a role while Williams leads the special teams.

Jacobs could eventually go for a free agent brought in at another spot.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (9): Bené Benwikere, Antoine Cason, Charles Godfrey, Josh Norman, Melvin White, Tre Boston, Thomas DeCoud, Roman Harper, Colin Jones

If the front seven fails to get as much pressure as it did last season, this group could be picked apart.

Cason and White held onto their starting spots throughout the summer, but Norman may eventually work his way up the depth chart.

Benwikere looks like a fifth-round steal, which helps considering Godfrey’s needed to help at safety. Harper’s health will be a concern all year, and Boston still hasn’t played in an NFL game. A free agent may be needed.

SPECIALISTS (3): Graham Gano, Brad Nortman, J.J. Jansen

A solid group that includes Nortman, who has quietly turned into one of the league’s best punters.

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