6 prospects on defense the Panthers should watch at 2022 Senior Bowl
By Dean Jones
Chad Muma – LB (Wyoming)
Finding a successor to someone with the exceptional skills of Luke Kuechly was always going to be a tall order. The Carolina Panthers were blessed with one of the league’s greatest and most cerebral players at the position for eight years before he called it a day, something that Tahir Whitehead and Jermaine Carter weren’t able to replicate over the past two seasons.
With Carter now out of contract, the Panthers might see this as an opportunity to bring in a talented prospect from the college ranks to solidify the position long-term. Someone like Kuechly can never be replaced from a production standpoint, but if Chad Muma could somehow end up in Carolina, it could be the answer to their prayers.
The Wyoming prospect is a commanding force at the second level, possessing the instincts and knowledge to be around the football consistently. While we haven’t seen much from Muma when it comes to generating pressure, his high football IQ and quick closing speed make him a player that is sure to be a hot commodity during the evaluation process.
Muma finished his college campaign on a high with 142 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, three interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns. Simply put, the linebacker is a supreme difference-maker and has skills that can easily translate to the next level.
Carolina might need to get their hands on a Day 2 pick to acquire Muma, but general manager Scott Fitterer is more than capable of this given how active he was in the trade market last year.