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NFL Rankings: 10 Best Linebackers in the League

By Phil Watson

Dec 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) reacts in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Saint 17-13 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) reacts in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the Saint 17-13 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 24, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) rushes Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) rushes Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

. Carolina Panthers. Luke Kuechly. 1. player. 87.

Luke Kuechly made an impressive progression—Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012, Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.

Taken ninth overall out of Boston College in 2012, Kuechly was an impact rookie with 164 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups and a sack.

He followed that up with 156 tackles, seven pass breakups, four interceptions and two sacks in 2013 as the Panthers returned to the playoffs.

Kuechly knows the next award he wants to be associated with.

“The best accolade you can get is the Super Bowl,” Kuechly told ESPN.com. “That’s what my goal is. I think what everybody in the room wants is for us to win the Super Bowl.”

“Luke is one of the standards that we have on this team,” quarterback Cam Newton told the Spartanburg (S.C.) Herald-Journal. “He’s low-maintenance, but brings to the table a hard-working guy that strives for excellence each and every time he’s between the lines. He’s a great role model not only for the first-team defense, but everybody that watches him.”

Kuechly earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods in 2013.

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