NFL: Luck, Wilson, 10 best players to start a franchise

By SJ Tuohy | Jul 24, 2014

Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) against the Chicago Bears at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Bears 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 1, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly receives the AP Defensive Player of the Year award at the 3rd NFL Honors at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

#4 Luke Kuechly (LB)

Elite teams have elite defenses, and elite defenses are strong in the middle; Luke Kuechly is strong in the middle. The guy is coming off a 2012 Rookie of the Year award and a 2013 Defensive Player of the Year award. He stops the run, ball-hawks and has a great feel for routes – and he was born in the 90’s for crying out loud!

In just 32 career games he already has 320 combined tackles. Not to mention, the former Boston College Eagle has also already recorded 6 interceptions. Kuechly has a knack for knowing where the ball is going.

At just 23 years of age, we could be looking at a Ray Lewis type figure for years to come. He may not get the credit or attention he deserves, but I’d sure want him on my team.

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