Panthers: 4 players to watch closely at 2020 training camp
By Dean Jones
player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 2. 87. LB. CAROLINA PANTHERS. TAHIRWHITEHEAD
Carolina Panthers Player No. 2: Tahir Whitehead (LB)
The Carolina Panthers lost the services of Luke Kuechly to a bombshell retirement this offseason. This is set to leave a tremendous void on the field and within the locker room. So others will need to take a step up and take on this responsibility.
Tahir Whitehead is the man who has been tasked with playing in the wake of Kuechly at middle linebacker. The experienced figure has worked with Matt Rhule before during their time at Temple. And there is every chance he can be a nice plug and play starter if his previous two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders are any indication.
Replacing someone like Kuechly is going to be almost impossible. He was the beating heart of the Panthers’ defense. And his presence as a team leader was evident almost from the moment that he took the field.
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Watching how Whitehead integrates himself in Carolina is going to be something well worth keeping an eye on during training camp. The player has a good reputation across the league. And he will be one of the more experienced figures set to start for Phil Snow’s defense in 2020.
This is a challenge that Whitehead should relish. Coming out of the blocks flying and commanding the respect of his teammates by being vocal and communicating well on the field is something that will do the team’s chances a tremendous amount of good.