Carolina Panthers: 5 best draft picks of all-time

5. Luke Kuechly, Linebacker (Round 1, Pick 9, 2012)

In the 2012 NFL Draft, things went absolutely wild in regards to quarterbacks. Obviously the Panthers didn’t have to worry about that after taking Cam Newton No. 1 overall in the previous draft, but every other team seemed to freak out. That included the Browns, who traded up to take Trent Richardson, the Jaguars, who went for the troubled Justin Blackmon at No. 5, and the Dolphins, who took Ryan Tannehill with the No. 8 overall pick. However, as good as Andrew Luck has been for the Colts as that year’s No. 1 pick, the Panthers have gotten the best player in that draft to this point in their careers: linebacker Luke Kuechly.

Anyone who’s watched the NFL as of late can tell you that Kuechly is the best linebacker in professional football right now. His ability to tackle, cover and simply lead the Carolina defense is unparalleled, and is the stuff of legends already.

The fact that a player with that much talent — especially after a prolific college career with the Boston College Golden Eagles — went untouched until the No. 9 pick is absolutely insane. However, that the Panthers were able to see his talent, pull the trigger on the pick, and help build a superstar in Kuechly makes the linebacker one of the best draft picks in the history of the franchise.

Next: No. 4 Charles Johnson