3 Linebackers Panthers Should Draft After Surprise Luke Keuchly Retirement

The Carolina Panthers might have to rethink their entire draft strategy, as they will likely be inclined to use one of their two Top 40 picks on an inside linebacker following the shocking retirement of seven-time All-Pro legend Luke Kuechly. In a thin LB class, things are looking grim. However, Matt Rhule can get the post Kuechly-era started off with a bang if he uses one of his two premium picks on one of these three linebackers.

3. Ohio State's Malik Harrison

Ohio State LB Malik Harrison / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

A late riser in this draft process, Harrison has record 75 or more tackles in each of the last two seasons, and has seven sacks over the last two years combines. At 245 pounds with good movement inside and some experience excelling when dropping into coverage, Harrison is the dollar store version of Kuechly, as his play style is very similar. Under the watch of DC Phil Snow, Harrison could become a Pro Bowl linebacker if he manages to get faster.

2. Oklahoma's Kenneth Murray

Oklahoma LB Kenneth Murray / Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

A player with such a ferocious playing style that he earned the nickname "K9 (Canine)" to match his name and jersey number, Oklahoma's Murray has a game based around getting to the ball carrier quick and doing damage when he gets there. There is a reason OU's defense was respectable in Big 12 play this year, and he's right in the middle of it. His measurable could push him into the first round, but a poor performance against LSU could lead to Carolina stealing him in the second round.

1. Clemson's Isaiah Simmons

Clemson LB Isaiah Simmons / Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

It's unfair to call Simmons "a linebacker", as the 6-4, 230 pound lab creation saw over 50 snaps this season at linebacker, safety, defensive end, slot corner, and outside corner. A true unicorn that lacks a comparison across the linebackers of the NFL, Simmons isn't going to make it out of the Top 10. Carolina would be investing a lot in their defense by making Simmons Rhule's first ever draft pick, but if his performance against LSU is anything to go by, Kuechly might be replaced in short order.