Tag: Luke Kuechly Retirement

Chargers LB Thomas Davis reacts to Luke Kuechly’s retirement

Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly will forever be recognized as one of the most prolific inside-linebacker duos to play the game.

The nation was stunned by the sudden retirement of Luke Kuechly, who announced his decision in a video on Monday.

Many of his former teammates paid homage to the 28-year old, including Chargers linebacker Thomas Davis.

“I couldn’t be more proud to call you my brother! Congrats on a heck of a career! The game will miss you as much as you miss the game bro! I love you my brother,” Thomas wrote.

Prior to being signed by Los Angeles, Davis and Kuechly played together for seven years. The two formed a tight bond after Kuechly came to Carolina as a first-round pick in 2012.

Since entering the league no player has more tackles than Kuechly (1,092); Davis is fourth (804). Davis and Kuechly will forever be recognized as one of the most prolific inside-linebacker duos to play the game.

2020 NFL mock draft: How Luke Kuechly’s retirement impacts 1st round

Luke Kuechly’s shocking retirement could have a significant impact on the first round of the 2020 NFL draft

The NFL world got a jolt Tuesday night, as Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his retirement after eight seasons.

The Panther currently hold a top-10 pick in the 2020 NFL draft, and Kuechly’s departure could have a seismic impact on their plans for that selection.

Here’s how this offseason bombshell could impact that first round of this year’s draft:

1. Cincinnati Bengals | Joe Burrow | QB | LSU

2. Washington Redskins | Chase Young | EDGE | Ohio State

3. Detroit Lions | Jeff Okudah | CB | Ohio State

4. New York Giants | Andrew Thomas | OT | Georgia

5. Miami Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Alabama

6. Los Angeles Chargers | Justin Herbert | QB | Oregon

7. Carolina Panthers | Isaiah Simmons | LB | Clemson

8. Arizona Cardinals | CeeDee Lamb | WR | Oklahoma

9. Jacksonville Jaguars | Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn

10. Cleveland Browns | Jedrick Wills | OT | Alabama

11. New York Jets | Tristan Wirfs | OT | Iowa

12. Oakland Raiders | Jerry Jeudy | WR | Alabama

13. Indianapolis Colts | Jordan Love | QB | Utah State

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | A.J. Epenesa | EDGE | Iowa

15. Denver Broncos | Javon Kinlaw | DL | South Carolina

16. Atlanta Falcons | Yetur Gross-Matos | EDGE | Penn State

17. Dallas Cowboys | Grant Delpit | S | LSU

18. Miami Dolphins (from PIT) | Henry Ruggs III | WR | Alabama

19. Oakland Raiders (from CHI) | Kenneth Murray | LB | Oklahoma

20. Jacksonville Jaguars | Tee Higgins | WR | Clemson

21. Philadelphia Eagles | Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU

22. Buffalo Bills | Laviska Shenault, Jr. | WR | Colorado

23. New England Patriots | Xavier McKinney | S | Alabama

24. New Orleans Saints | Cole Kmet | TE | Notre Dame

25. Minnesota Vikings | Mekhi Becton | OT | Louisville

26. Miami Dolphins (from HOU) | Jonathan Taylor | RB | Wisconsin

27. Seattle Seahawks | Trevon Diggs | CB | Alabama

28. Baltimore Ravens | D’Andre Swift | RB | Georgia

29. Tennessee Titans | K’Lavon Chaisson | EDGE | LSU

30. Green Bay Packers | Solomon Kindley | OL | Georgia

31. Kansas City Chiefs | Travis Etienne | RB | Clemson

32. San Francisco 49ers | CJ Henderson | CB | Florida

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Luke Kuechly’s retirement makes Isaiah Simmons prime target for Panthers

Luke Kuechly’s shocking retirement could have the Carolina Panthers targeting Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons in the 2020 NFL draft

The NFL Playoffs aren’t done yet, but the offseason is already kicking off with a shocking development, as Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his retirement after just eight seasons Tuesday night.

A five-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler, Kuechly has been considered the gold standard at his position for most of his career. His unexpected retirement immediately leaves a gigantic void at the heart of the Carolina defense, both on the field and in the locker room.

That could leave the Panthers targeting his replacement early in the 2020 NFL draft, and they’ll have a worthy target in Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons.

A Swiss Army knife of a defensive weapon, Simmons lined up all over the field for the Tigers, making plays from the edge, off the ball, and even as a defensive back. His rare combination of size, athleticism and explosiveness have made him one of the nation’s most dynamic playmakers on defense, and Tigers did a fantastic job of maximizing his unique skill set.

The Panthers currently hold the No. 7 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, which is in perfect range to land Simmons, especially if multiple quarterbacks come off the board ahead of them. With LSU’s Joe Burrow, Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa and Oregon’s Justin Herbert all having a solid chance of going in the top six picks, chances are high that Simmons would still be on the board for Carolina at No. 7.

A player like Kuechly is never completely replaced, but if the Panthers can land Simmons, his absence would be far less noticeable, for the 2020 season and beyond.

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