Could this guy be the next Panther starting MLB?

[MHS831]

#59 (ironically) out of California.  Supposedly had a solid mentor last year.  Maybe he is worth a look:

Sometimes, the answer is on your own roster. 

 

Here is my take:  Probably better in a 3-4, but this guy plays down hill.  Had a 4.82 40 time at his pro day, which probably kept him out of the draft.  However, his reads are quick and he does not false step.  Maybe he is only depth and special teams, but maybe--just maybe---he can rise above the criticism.

If playing Jordan at MLB keeps Shaq at his natural position, then that is a bonus as well.  Could Luke's replacement be #59 from Cal---and already on the roster? Vontaze Burfict has been decent (a head case, but a head hunter as well) and his 40 time was 5.09--slower than some OL and DTs.

Hmmmm.

 

[Daddy_Uncle]

Doubt it

[steven8989]

[1of10Charnatives]

As much as I love Luke, I’m not at all in favor of drafting his replacement high because I believe positional value in the modern era with a heavy emphasis on passing is low, therefore I’m completely in favor of looking at guys like this later down the line. I wish people would stop acting like because Kuechley was all world, it’s imperative his replacement be a day one pick. It’s not. Mike just isn’t as important a position as it once was.

[Harbingers]

5 minutes ago, 1of10Charnatives said:

As much as I love Luke, I’m not at all in favor of drafting his replacement high because I believe positional value in the modern era with a heavy emphasis on passing is low, therefore I’m completely in favor of looking at guys like this later down the line. I wish people would stop acting like because Kuechley was all world, it’s imperative his replacement be a day one pick. It’s not. Mike just isn’t as important a position as it once was.

You say that.. but then you just had to best linebacker in the league as the leader of the defense for nearly a decade. 

[Ricky Spanish]

6 minutes ago, 1of10Charnatives said:

As much as I love Luke, I’m not at all in favor of drafting his replacement high because I believe positional value in the modern era with a heavy emphasis on passing is low, therefore I’m completely in favor of looking at guys like this later down the line. I wish people would stop acting like because Kuechley was all world, it’s imperative his replacement be a day one pick. It’s not. Mike just isn’t as important a position as it once was.

Yeah Luke Spoiled us but he could only do so much on any given play. We will miss having a second defensive coordinator no doubt but the trenches are far more important to address at the moment than the second line of defense. A good D line can make an average LBer look above average to great, same with the secondary. 

[BrianS]

He has as good a shot as anyone.  With so many needs along our O and D lines, with the money we paid Shaq . . . I can't see us investing at LB before the fourth.  I'm sure we'll draft a LB, but I don't think it will be a high pick and thus JK will get the opportunity to compete. 

May the best player win.

[MHS831]

34 minutes ago, steven8989 said:

So you think it is crazy to give this guy a look? At least you provide concrete, football-related reasons for your expert analysis of his ability. If we are going OL, DT, CB, WR, etc. in the draft, where do you think the MLB is going to come from?  If you say free agency, then pick a guy who would be worth the price and is actually better than this guy--a guy who fits into the system/plans.  I watched him in pre season and was impressed--and I provide my reasons.  What are your reasons for not giving him a shot? What is your plan for meeting needs and putting a stud MLB on the field?   I'll wait for your in-depth response meme.  

[MHS831]

16 minutes ago, BrianS said:

He has as good a shot as anyone.  With so many needs along our O and D lines, with the money we paid Shaq . . . I can't see us investing at LB before the fourth.  I'm sure we'll draft a LB, but I don't think it will be a high pick and thus JK will get the opportunity to compete. 

May the best player win.

Thanks.  We have to be realistic--every need is not going to be met with a first-round pick.  If we go OT, DT, DT, CB, WR, S, G, C, DE, etc. in free agency and the draft---the Lukes and Bobby Wagners are probably going to be gone.  If we bring in some stud DTs, then a high-motor, underrrated, smart MLB might be good enough. 

 

[d-dave]

Luke became a generational player.  He had a great athletic profile and was an absolutely prolific player at BC.  In the interviews he came across as a total film junkie.  Those traits made Luke a pretty safe pick along with a fair dose of luck.

Will we find our next Luke?  Probably not.  It's just the math and odds.  Could we already have a guy who could play there at a high level?  Maybe, and that would be great.

But no matter how good a LB is, without a stout DL, they are going to have some real problems.  We saw that with Luke.  When the DL failed, OL were able to get their hands on him, which meant he couldn't do his normal running to where he knows the play is going.

My hope is that Luke can continue to help out in some capacity with our young guys, teach them how to breakdown film, and we end up finding a player who is smart enough to do something with it.

[MHS831]

27 minutes ago, Ricky Spanish said:

Yeah Luke Spoiled us but he could only do so much on any given play. We will miss having a second defensive coordinator no doubt but the trenches are far more important to address at the moment than the second line of defense. A good D line can make an average LBer look above average to great, same with the secondary. 

Since we are probably not going to find Luke's replacement, draft  or sign 2 DTs, a DE, CB, S, WR, TE, G, OT, C, etc.  this year, you need to build from the middle out, front to back for this reason.  Jordan would be worth a look to man the MLB duties if we get some good DTs. 

[MHS831]

41 minutes ago, Daddy_Uncle said:

Doubt it

That is the point--he has been doubted his entire career-and proven even the most articulate and in-depth experts wrong.  You are not alone--which is the reason for the thread.  He might fill a need during the rebuild---and giving him a shot is the point.

[steven8989]

10 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

So you think it is crazy to give this guy a look? At least you provide concrete, football-related reasons for your expert analysis of his ability. If we are going OL, DT, CB, WR, etc. in the draft, where do you think the MLB is going to come from?  If you say free agency, then pick a guy who would be worth the price and is actually better than this guy--a guy who fits into the system/plans.  I watched him in pre season and was impressed--and I provide my reasons.  What are your reasons for not giving him a shot? What is your plan for meeting needs and putting a stud MLB on the field?   I'll wait for your in-depth response meme.  

We just paid this guy is that enough for u?

[pantherclaw]

4 hours ago, Harbingers said:

You say that.. but then you just had to best linebacker in the league as the leader of the defense for nearly a decade. 

Not only that, but the Panthers as a franchise,  has ALWAYS had good linebackers. 

We have been spoiled.