The Carolina Panthers are banking on Tershawn 'Turk' Wharton's championship experience to elevate their defense, which ranked last in the NFL last season. Wharton, a former Kansas City Chiefs standout, brings a winning mentality and a proven track record, having won two Super Bowls and participated in four.

Wharton's Journey to the Panthers Wharton's journey from an undrafted player out of Missouri University of Science and Technology to a key contributor for the Chiefs is a testament to his resilience and hard work. His rags-to-riches story serves as an inspiration for undrafted players and a motivational tool for Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.

Impact on the Panthers' Defense Evero is leveraging Wharton's experience to instill a culture of excellence and hard work within the Panthers' defense. Wharton's presence is expected to significantly improve the team's run defense, which allowed 3,057 yards last season, the third-worst in NFL history.

Mentorship and Leadership Wharton is already making an impact off the field, mentoring younger players like fifth-round defensive tackle Cam Jackson. His leadership and work ethic are crucial in helping the Panthers' defense transition into a formidable unit.

Looking Ahead With Wharton and other key additions, the Panthers' defense is poised for a turnaround. The combination of Wharton's championship experience and Evero's strategic vision could be the catalyst the Panthers need to break their streak of seven consecutive losing seasons.

For more insights into how Wharton and the Panthers are preparing for the upcoming season, stay tuned to ESPN's coverage of the NFL.