With the ninth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers have selected Boston College linebacker Luke Kuechly. This Panthers' pick falls in line with the projections for Kuechly, who's considered the most NFL-ready linebacker.
Kuechly, who decided to forego his senior season at Boston College in December, ended his collegiate career as the most decorated defensive player in program history. The 6-foot-3, 237-pound first-team All-American led the nation in total tackles with 191 and solo tackles with 102. He was the only unanimous selection to the all-ACC first-team defense this season.
NFL Draft Tracker via Sports Illustrated
Not a whole lot. The Panthers' rebuilding efforts in the NFC appear to be progressing according to plan, so perhaps they'll contend sooner than expected with Cam Newton manning the offense and Kuechly potentially playing a large role in anchoring the defense.
Luke Kuechly 2012 NFL Draft Profile (via sbnnfl)