Carolina Panthers: All Time Roster 3.0
8. Right Middle Linebacker – Luke Kuechly (2012-)
The Panthers have been a 4-3 team ever since John Fox took over the team. They have always seemed to find good guys to man that position too. Beyond Sam Mills, the Panthers have employed the likes of Micheal Barrow, Dan Morgan, Jon Beason, and now Luke Kuechly at that spot.
This is a hard choice given the number of really quality guys at this spot. I am taking Kuechly for now, knowing that I still have an additional inside linebacker spot available. Kuechly was NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and followed that with NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. He has been a Pro Bowler in two of his three seasons.
It’s not just running and tackling either with Kuechly. He is also smart in coverage. He had picks against Tony Romo of Dallas and earlier today against Matt Ryan of the Falcons in plays that neither of those quarterbacks saw coming.
Kuechly is also active in the community and in local television ads for CPI security. He has a chance to be the next Ray Lewis or Mike Singletary type linebacker.
Next: Left Middle Linebacker