Could this guy be the next Panther starting MLB?

[Khyber53]

Okay, I really liked this guy in pre-season last year and I was happy to see him grab a roster spot. I do not think he would have stayed on our practice squad for more than a week or two before getting poached by another team.

He's a high character guy and a film room rat, he's an "earned everything I've got" kind of guy and has a history of leadership. His only knock is his 40-yard dash time, and really that doesn't translate to on the field movement with how linebackers usually play (except for maybe in pursuit). 

Can he be Kuechly Mk. II? No, no one is going to be able to fill those shoes for maybe a generation. Can he be an excellent MLB and leader on the field? Yeah, I think he certainly can.

If I were the coach, I'd be putting him out there in MLB and sometimes the Sam positions just to get an idea of his capabilities and potential. Everything I've seen on him is that if given an opportunity, he fights for it and wins.

[Snake]

Could be but I see Shaq as our MLB in the 3-4 which we should still run. 

[JawnyBlaze]

I am not for drafting high LBs. We got lucky Luke was as ridiculously good as he was.  Lukes don’t come around often and unless they’re as good as he was, not worth a first. 

[thefuzz]

LB (in a 43) is a 3rd tier position in todays NFL, IMO.

QB, OT, DT, DE, are much more valuable positions.

We need to focus on those positions with the 7 if we stay there.

[SetfreexX]

We tend to invest first rounders at LB, whether with Hurney (Davis, Beason, Luke), or when Gettleman was here (Shaq), based on the presser Rhule mentioned position less players, and guys that can run, and if there is one player that fits the bill in the top 7 it's Simmons. 

I would not be surprised, we already have our low round / UDFA LBs on the roster (Carter Jr / Smith / and the OP), I'd wager the next LB investment will probably be a pretty high selection. 

Brown / Simmons / Kinlaw in a short trade back...

[MHS831]

2 hours ago, steven8989 said:

We just paid this guy is that enough for u?

No--it is a stupid argument-one void of facts and logic.  I do not think paying an OLB to play MLB a ton of money makes him a good MLB.  Did you think Shaq goes to MLB because he got paid?  When they paid him, had Luke retired?  (Hint:  NO)  Paying Shaq to play MLB means you just got weaker at 2 positions (MLB and OLB).   Thanks for the meaningless visual.

[steven8989]

Just now, MHS831 said:

No--it is a stupid argument-one void of facts and logic.  I do not think paying an OLB to play MLB a ton of money makes him a good MLB.  Did you think Shaq goes to MLB because he got paid?  When they paid him, had Luke retired?  Paying Shaq to play MLB means you just got weaker at 2 positions (MLB and OLB).   Thanks for the meaningless visual.

He will most definitely be playing MLB, if u think different I feel sorry for you.

[MHS831]

2 hours ago, Snake said:

Could be but I see Shaq as our MLB in the 3-4 which we should still run. 

In the 3-4, we need another ILB.  In the 4-3, we need Shaq's skills outside.  I don't see him reading nearly as well as Luke or most MLBs.

[MHS831]

1 minute ago, steven8989 said:

He will most definitely be playing MLB, if u think different I feel sorry for you.

 

Opinions about who plays middle linebacker are subjective-people who disagree with you are not wrong or to be objects of your pity.  Time to learn to argue with facts that support your opinion, not state a belief as fact and then call people out for disagreement. 

Until then, understand that people are not laughing with you...

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, thefuzz said:

LB (in a 43) is a 3rd tier position in todays NFL, IMO.

QB, OT, DT, DE, are much more valuable positions.

We need to focus on those positions with the 7 if we stay there.

That is the point--we are not going to find that elite player this year...Jordan will get a shot and should.  Carter and Smith come into play (Carter as OLB while Shaq plays inside is possible; but if you do not want Shaq inside, Jordan inside is possible. 

 

[Shocker]

Kuechly replacement...plug him in and don't miss a beat

[MHS831]

4 hours ago, pantherclaw said:

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

We have been spoiled. 

I put our MLBs up against the Bears--and that is saying something.

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, Shocker said:

Kuechly replacement...plug him in and don't miss a beat

We will feel the Luke retirement as long as we felt the Gross retirement if we do nothing--Shaq at MLB/ILB is not a first round player--he really (in my opinion) needs to be outside to get the most out of him.  People will see this when the defense starts targeting 54 instead of 59....

[steven8989]

14 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

We will feel the Luke retirement as long as we felt the Gross retirement if we do nothing--Shaq at MLB/ILB is not a first round player--he really (in my opinion) needs to be outside to get the most out of him.  People will see this when the defense starts targeting 54 instead of 59....