Carolina Panthers: Could Kenneth Murray replace Luke Kuechly?

How would Murray fit with the Panthers?

The Carolina Panthers signed Tahir Whitehead in free agency to a one-year, $2.5 million deal following a good season with the Las Vegas Raiders. While that might plug the gap in the short-term, more will be needed if the organization wants to move out of Luke Kuechly’s shadow at the earliest possible opportunity.

Kenneth Murray represents an electrifying prospect that is guaranteed to get Panthers’ fans out of their seat if he ends up with the organization. He has a rare blend of speed and athleticism that can really make a difference on any given down.

The player has stood out exceptionally well during the evaluation process prior to the coronavirus pandemic. This will ensure he goes in the first round and if the Panthers like what they see from Murray, they must do what is necessary to acquire his services.

Whether that is trading down from No. 7 or moving up from the 38th overall selection remains to be seen. There is no doubt Murray would be a tremendous addition to the roster and one that could see him become the heartbeat on defense that Kuechly came from the moment he entered the NFL.

There are plenty of needs elsewhere from Carolina’s perspective and only eight selections to get them. So, making a move back into the first round to take Murray might not be the wisest decision in terms of depth.

However, Murray has the highest of ceilings and is a sure-fire star at the next level if he lives up to his lofty potential.