Carolina Panthers pick LB Luke Kuechly ninth overall in drafts - NFL News
After selecting quarterback, Cam Newton with the first overall pick last year, the Carolina Panthers have moved to improve the defence in this year’s draft.
Carolina had the ninth overall pick in this year’s first round draft and brought in Boston College linebacker, Luke Kuechly with the pick.
The Panthers had before the draft considered to move down the table but Kuechly’s availability ended all those scenarios with general manager, Matt Hurney making the linebacker the franchise’s first pick in the drafts.
Keuchly will greatly improve the Panthers defence which struggled to contain the opposition from scoring last season with the franchise losing most of their games in the final two quarters.
Coach Ron Rivera was excited by the newest addition to his roster and praised the Boston College graduate’s versatility, however, he did not confirm whether Kuechly would start for the Panthers immediately.
“We’re going to look at it, we really are, and just see how it all meshes,” Rivera said. “This is one of those picks where it makes your group better and your unit better. The reason we drafted the kid is he has tremendous versatility.”
The player himself felt honoured to be drafted by the Panthers and said that he is excited at just the opportunity to play in the National Football League (NFL).
"I'm just so pumped up that they want me to be on their team. It's an honor, and now I've got to get down there and do what I can to contribute to the team.
"I'm just excited right now for the opportunity."
The Panthers ended last season with a 6-10 record and could have even qualified for the playoffs if not for their penchant to lose games in the final two quarters.
Carolina though are relevant once again and are highly optimistic about the prospects for the upcoming season.
Coach Ron Rivera and general manager, Matt Hurney certainly are impressed with Kuechly’s potential.
Kuechly will be a great addition to the defence and now it is up to the player to quickly get up to speed and prove in the training camp that he deserves to start for a NFL team in the new 2012-13 season.
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