13. Luke Kuechly, LB, Carolina
Kuechly may be the most under-appreciated player on our list. Year after year, he’s the focal point and leader of the Carolina defense and the biggest reasons why the Panthers remain so solid and consistent on that side of the ball every year. Outside of a concussion that caused him to miss the tail end of the 2016 campaign, Kuechly has rarely missed a game during his career and is arguably the most consistent defensive player in football.
In 2019, it should be business as usual for Kuechly. He’s been a Pro Bowler in each of the last six seasons and a First-Team All-Pro in five of those six seasons. Kuechly is not likely to win Defensive Player of the Year honors, in part because he’s so under appreciated, but there’s no reason to think he won’t be one of the most reliable defensive players in the league.
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