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10 things to know: Kentwan Balmer

John Ellis

the212daily

@johnellis212

According to multiple reports, Carolina claimed former first-round pick Kentwan Balmer off of waivers Thursday.

The 6’5″, 315 lb. DE/DT was waived by Seattle on Wednesday was simply an improper fit for Pete Carroll’s defensive scheme, which does not employ the vast combinations of 3-4/4-3 fronts that Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has built his career on.

Conventional wisdom says Balmer will be used as a “zero technique” tackle (NT), or potentially as a “5-technique” defensive end in a 3-4 package. Rivera has yet to comment on how Balmer will be utilized.

Here are 10 things to know about Balmer:

1. No health issues in 2010: Balmer played in all 16 games for Seattle, starting 11.
2. His best statistical season was last year under Carroll (43 tackles).
3. He was born 4 hours away from Charlotte in Roanoke Rapids, NC (population just over 16,000)
4. Recorded 17 QB pressures in 23 career starts with UNC.
5. Was a 1st round pick for San Francisco in 2008.
6. Was acquired from the 49ers by Seattle in exchange for a 2012 6th round draft pick.
7. Played both 5-technique DE and DT last year for Seahawks.
8. In 2007 at UNC, blocked two extra-point attempts.
9. Upon enrollment at UNC in 2004, weighed 250 lb. Has since added 65 lb to his frame.
10. FB Nerds: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kentwan-Balmer/108411075850498

At just 24, Balmer is a young talent who has been knocked in the past for his poor work ethic. According to league reports, Carolina will have until September 3rd to evaluate if Balmer is the proper fit for their ailing defensive line. At that point, the team will be required–with others–to cut the roster down to 53 players.

To make room for Balmer, Carolina has placed veteran DB Cletis Gordon on injured reserve.