2012 NFL Draft: Why Luke Kuechly Is the Future of the NFL

May 16, 2012   ·   Dan Snyder   ·   Jump to comments

Gone are the days of running games dominating the NFL, and with that demands a new breed of inside linebackers leading defenses.
Never again will the NFL see a player like the (generous) 270 lb Levon Kirkland roaming the middle of defenses. Stopping the run isn't the top priority of defensive coordinators anymore, and because of this, pro football demands a new breed of linebacker.
Luke Kuechly is that breed.
As the Patriots showed us all in 2011, tight ends are a deadly weapon to be used in the passing game. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez led the Patriots to the Super Bowl and were virtually unguardable by opposing defenses.
With the ninth selection in the 2012 draft, the Panthers chose Boston College's all-time leading tackler in Kuechly and grabbed possibly the most complete defensive player in this year's draft.
In three years with the Eagles, Kuechly accumulated over 500 tackles, seven interceptions and 17 passes defended.
Kuechly also got some hi...

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