Take: The effects of trading away Brian Burns were sorely felt by a defense that ranked last in the NFL in pass rush win rate, according to ESPN, through Week 17. In racking up 11 sacks en route to earning Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Carter proved he can wreck offensive game plans with regularity.

The Carolina Panthers will pick in the top 10 of the NFL Draft for the fifth time in six years. Another last-place finish in the NFC South will do that to you.

The NFL's 18 teams that missed the playoffs can turn their attention to the draft. How might the top picks play out come April?