2013 NFL Draft results: Kawann Short selected by Panthers with No. 44 pick

Carolina turned a weakness into a strength by adding their second defensive tackle of the draft.

Apr 26, 2013, 11:35 PM UTC

Pat Lovell-US PRESSWIRE

With the No. 44 overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers selected the Purdue Boilermakers defensive tackle Kawann Short. Short is ranked as the No. 8 defensive tackle on SB Nation's final positional rankings, and he is ranked as the No. 45 player overall.

Short struggled with weight issues throughout his career at Purdue, starting his freshman year when he came into the program weighing 345 pounds. The added weight made him inconsistent during his four seasons, and some have called into question his motor. When he’s going 100-percent, Short is a heck of a defensive tackle, though, and has the talent to be a first round pick.

The Panthers beefed up their defensive line with Star Lotulelei in the first round and they turned a weakness into a strength with the selection of Short in the second round. Along with Dwan Edwards they should make a three-man rotation at defensive tackle that will be the building block of the Panthers defense.

In NFL.com’s prospect profile, the following conclusion was made on Short.

Purdue’s two-time team captain earned All-Big Ten recognition in 2011 (17 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks) using his NFL size and surprising athleticism, the same attributes making Short a potential starter in 4-3 or 3-4 systems at the next level if he controls his weight and improves his consistency. He is a good athlete for his size, but needs to get stronger and get in better shape. He’s had a productive and decorated career at Purdue, and is a big body with quickness, and figures to go in the top 60 picks of the draft.

Combine Results

Height: 6’3
Weight: 299 pounds
Arm length: 34 3/4 inches
Hands: 9 3/4 inches

Short’s transition to the NFL will depend on his ability to keep his weight down. At the 2013 NFL Scouting Combine, Short said that he was under 300 pounds for the first time since middle school. If he wants to excel as a pro, Short will have to keep his weight hovering around the 300 mark, as he is a defensive tackle that relies on his quickness and ability to penetrate.