Round 7: The Carolina Panthers select LB Jackson Kuwatch (Miami of Ohio)

[rodeo]

 

[Fox007]

Yeah let the white doo have a shot at it, why not

[panfanman]

Drafting a player ranked 387th overall when we are in the 7th round (where picks usually fall between 220 and 260) definitely feels like a "reach" on paper, but there is some fascinating logic behind why the we might have pulled the trigger on Jackson Kuwatch.

 

In the 7th round, teams often stop looking at "Big Boards" and start looking at specific traits and special teams value. Here is the breakdown of why he likely ended up in our draft class:

 

1. The "Late Bloomer" Factor

Kuwatch was a walk-on at Ohio State before transferring to Miami (OH). He had almost no production until 2025, when he absolutely exploded:

 

109 tackles

10 tackles for loss

5 sacks

82.1 PFF Grade (which is elite for a linebacker)

Because he only had one year of elite production, the national "ranking" algorithms (like the one showing 387) are often slow to catch up, but NFL scouts saw a 6'4", 235 lb athlete who finally "figured it out."

 

2. Testing vs. Ranking

His rankings might be low, but his Pro Day numbers were top-tier:

 

3-Cone Drill: 6.95 seconds (This would have ranked 2nd among all linebackers at the Combine).

Vertical/Broad Jump: He showed elite "explosive" traits that suggest he can cover ground quickly.

Teams often take a flyer on a guy with "top-of-the-class" agility in the 7th round, regardless of where a website ranks him.

 

3. The "Special Teams Ace" Profile

At 6'4", he has the frame to be a "wedge buster" on kickoffs and the speed to be a gunner on punts. Most 7th-round linebackers are drafted specifically to never see the field on defense, but to play 20+ snaps a game on Special Teams.

 

4. Direct Team Interest

The Colts and Broncos were both heavily scouting him leading up to the draft. If the we knew another team was planning to sign him as a "priority undrafted free agent," we might have used that 7th-round pick just to ensure we didn't lose him to a bidding war after the draft ended.

 

The Verdict:

We essentially traded a "depth" pick for a high-upside developmental athlete. He’s the classic "Dan Morgan" player—gritty, high-motor, and a former walk-on with a chip on his shoulder.

 

He might not be a starter on Day 1, but with his 3-cone speed and 6'4" frame, he’s a prime candidate to become a core special teams leader for us.

[uncfan888]

[outlaw4]

He's a guy to Kuwatch on the field.

...hey, have to get value out of this pick somehow. 

[Jon Snow]

Think Special Teams folks. 

[DaveThePanther2008]

Never heard of him but watching the reel a couple of things I noticed.  

He shed blocks pretty well.

Reads the play well and fills the hole.

Sideline to Sideline very quick.

This to me is a Dan Morgan DAWG pick.  Nothing else. 

[chknwing]

2 minutes ago, Jon Snow said:

Think Special Teams folks. 

agreed, "Gunner"

[Jon Snow]

Just now, chknwing said:

agreed, "Gunner"

Yep

[AceMan]

He will beat out Trevin Wallace to start at MLB, watch

[Basbear]

1 minute ago, Jon Snow said:

Think Special Teams folks. 

F that, all he has to do is beat out Wallace....... That's not a hard task! I say lets see what he kid has, hell after couple weeks put him with the Lloyd and the ones. 

[Jon Snow]

Just now, Basbear said:

F that, all he has to do is beat out Wallace....... That's not a hard task! I say lets see what he kid has, hell after couple weeks put him with the Lloyd and the ones. 

Your going to have to wait until the next draft to fix that.

[tukafan21]

Would have liked to take a swing on a QB, but if he can make an impact on ST as a rookie, will be a good pick

[Basbear]

@AceManin my mind again

 

Plus UDFAs should have LB talent. 

Wallace shouldn't scare no one at this stage.....