Julius Peppers, defensive end, Carolina Panthers
Peppers is still grinding (no pun intended) at the ripe age of 37 years old. The nine-time Pro Bowler was recently reunited with the Carolina Panthers — the team that originally chose him at No. 2 overall in 2002.
This is the perfect scenario for the future Hall of Fame pass rusher who should eventually retire as a Panther. Peppers currently ranks No. 5 in all-time NFL sacks with 143.5. He is also the oldest active player within the top 10 in this stat.
In Carolina alone, Peppers tallied 81 of those sacks during his eight years playing between 2002-09. He then played four seasons with the Chicago Bears from 2010-2013, starting in all 16 games during that stretch.
Lastly, Peppers spent three seasons in Green Bay, averaging 8.5 sacks per season. He is about as durable defenders come. Throughout his 15 years spent playing in the league, Peppers has missed only four games.
It will be exciting to see him help improve a Carolina defense that took several steps back in 2016.