Kuechly named AP Defensive Player of Year
Luke Kuechly - LB - Carolina Panthers
Feb. 4, 2013 - 2:00 AM ET
Luke Kuechly was named the Associated Press' NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year on Saturday.
It was an easy choice. Kuechly led the NFL in tackles (164) this season and started all 16 games as an every-down linebacker in Carolina's 4-3 defense. The Panthers are only the fourth team in NFL history to have back-to-back offensive or defensive rookies of the year. The No. 9 overall pick in this past season's draft, Kuechly graded out as a top-eight inside linebacker by Pro Football Focus. Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner finished second in AP voting with 11 votes, followed by Casey Hayward (6), Janoris Jenkins (3), and Lavonte David (3).
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