'Kuechly is the clear anchor of Carolina's defensive efforts, and it's been that way since he first stepped on the field in 2012. That year, he was PFF's No. 7 inside linebacker. His grade in 2013 led to a No. 8 ranking. The following season, he jumped to first place where he stayed until he was unseated in 2016, but only fell to the No. 2 spot. He's everywhere. His linebacker mate Thomas Davis is a smart, fluid, impact player, too. He was PFF's No. 12 4-3 outside linebacker last season and No. 8 the year before.'