The praise for Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly has been effusive throughout this entire season leading up to the 2012 NFL Draft. After leading the NCAA in tackles the last two seasons and winning seemingly every possible trophy and accolade he could earn, it’s clear that Kuechly is not only a first round choice but could go in the top half of the draft. Yet perhaps his greatest compliment comes today courtesy of ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. who compares him with Chicago Bears great Brian Urlacher.
Kiper took to Twitter today to say that Kuechly reminds him of Urlacher coming out of school. Urlacher was a late riser up draft boards and was the hottest commodity coming into the 2000 NFL Draft out of New Mexico. Kuechly could be taken around the same position, and he’s often listed as heading to the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round at No. 11.
There’s a possibility that Kuechly could be off the board for the Chiefs by the time they choose. The Buffalo Bills could take him at No. 10 and even the Panthers could strike at No. 9. If the Chiefs pass, the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets are also landing spots at No. 12 or 16 respectively.
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