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Panthers: Complete preseason position grades

By Brandon Scott

CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 17: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers checks down the line against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 17: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers checks down the line against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 24: Luke Kuechly #59 and teammate Captain Munnerlyn #41 of the Carolina Panthers tackle Brandon Bolden #38 of the New England Patriots in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on August 24, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Linebacker: B+

Thomas Davis will be sidelined for five weeks (four games) to begin the 2018 season giving Shaq Thompson and opportunity to shine. Thompson increased his playing time last season and is expected to again ramp up his opportunities.

Behind arguably the best linebacker unit in the NFL, Davis, Thompson and Luke Kuechly are a number of guys who themselves are extremely talented. A.J. Klein was in this position and departed for NFC South divisional rival New Orleans but it was because he couldn’t break into the starting lineup for Carolina.

Now, David Mayo and Ben Jacobs find themselves in a similar position but leave no doubt that the level of play will not diminish with Davis sidelined. Rookie Jermaine Carter is also working his way into this group behind the veteran leadership of both Kuechly and Davis.

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