Carolina Panthers Draft: 3 reasons Micah Parsons should be priority No. 1
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers Reason No. 2: A long-term Luke Kuechly replacement
The Carolina Panthers did not bring in a long-term replacement for Luke Kuechly this offseason. Losing such an influential figure will be a hammer blow across the organization. And although he is sticking around in his new role as a pro scout. It will be nothing compared to the sort of impact the five-time All-Pro made on the field.
Tahir Whitehead will be tasked with filling Kuechly’s enormous void in 2020. The former Temple star has worked with Matt Rhule before. And he has been a solid contributor during his career to give further cause for encouragement.
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There is little doubt that more will be needed going forward. And this is where Micah Parsons comes in. The Nittany Lion has the chance to be a generational talent at the position. And if the Panthers wanted to get a long-term Kuechly replacement, he should be No. 1 on their shortlist.
Parsons has the sort of energy and production that become associated with Kuechly from the moment he arrived in Carolina as a first-round pick. The Panthers might not get a chance to get a carbon copy replacement for one of their greatest ever players again. But whether the linebacker’s decision to opt-out will change the way teams think about him is up for debate.
Safety is paramount for everyone concerned as cases continue to rise across the country. No player should be criticized for prioritizing health over football. And Parsons has enough eye-popping film to ensure missing a season will have little difference in where he goes in the draft.
Parsons looks a perfect scheme fit for the Panthers. And he would become a fan favorite in no time at all thanks to his boundless energy that will instantly draw Kuechly comparisons.