Luke Kuechly leads team with highest PFF grade

Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly earns impressive grade for his performance last season.

The Carolina Panthers linebacker corps will have an entirely different look entering the 2019 season. After not re-signing veteran and captain Thomas Davis, the defensive onus falls squarely on the shoulders of Luke Kuechly. While the two have shared responsibilities in each of the past seven seasons, Davis’ absence is sure to be felt inside the locker room and on the field this year.

Fortunately, Kuechly has flourished at his linebacker position making an immediate impact by winning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year early in his career. During his time as the central component of Carolina’s defense, Kuechly has also been an All Pro every season but his first and earned six Pro Bowl nominations.

Despite the Panthers struggles last season, after starting 6-2 and appearing to be on a return path to the playoffs, there was never a lull in his play. Week in and week out, Kuechly continued to make an impression sprinting to the football and making nearly every play that came his way.

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It was simply what fans have come to expect from their leading linebacker and now the results are in to prove it. According to Pro Football Focus, Kuechly registered an impressive 90.7 overall grade and a 92.3 in run defense. Both figures led all Panthers defenders and he will likely do so again during 2019.

Although there have been changes to the defensive front and additional players added in an effort to increase the pass rush, Kuechly remains in the middle. Fellow linebacker Shaq Thompson is expected to see an increased role along with a few hybrid defenders who were added this offseason.

Both free agent Bruce Irvin and first-round draft pick Brian Burns are guys who can play from the defensive end or linebacker positions. How Ron Rivera elects to use each remains to be seen but there’s no question Kuechly will be the one opposing teams continue to focus on when lining up against Carolina.

For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe to PFF’s EDGE or ELITE subscriptions at ProFootballFocus.com.