Coach Ron Rivera said second-round DT Kawann Short is a more explosive pass rusher than No. 14 overall pick Star Lotulelei right now.

"He has slither about him," Rivera said of Short. "He can get into the crease and turn his body, drop his shoulder and come off a blocker very smooth-like." The coach added that while Lotulelei reported to camp in good physical condition, Short showed up in better shape. With Star projecting as an impact run-stuffer right away and Short pushing the pocket, the Panthers' front seven is finally looking up.

Panthers signed second-round DT Kawann Short to a four-year contract.

Short, a four-year starter at Purdue, is a boom-or-bust pick due to questions regarding his effort and consistency. He'll compete with Dwan Edwards at three-technique as a rookie while first-rounder Star Lotulelei mans the nose.