The Most Underrated Offseason Move the Carolina Panthers Made

Luke Kuechly said after the draft that Lee Hunter was a big reason why David Bailey (number two overall pick) and Jacob Rodriguez (draft darling) did so well for Texas Tech last season. He's right, and the Panthers are about to learn that.

Sub out Bailey and Rodriguez for Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, and it now becomes how Hunter is about to make life much easier for the two star acquisitions. In fact, if Hunter is as advertised, he will make life easier for the whole defense.

Obviously, Hunter providing any pressure up the middle helps the edge rushers (Phillips and Scourton). The pocket collapsing is good for everyone on the line. In the run game, Hunter will help take pressure off of Derrick Brown, freeing him up to wreak even more havoc.

If Hunter's improving the defensive line, then the linebackers behind him, namely Lloyd, have less to worry about. And if the pass-rush is improved, partly thanks to Hunter, then the secondary doesn't have to cover as long. Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are great, but their job just got easier.

If we can compare it to a crosstown move, it's like the Charlotte Hornets drafting Kon Knueppel. Obviously, he was better than anyone expected, but the logic was the same. His shooting and spacing were expected to open things up for LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. That's what happened.

So Hunter's pressure and run-stuffing are expected to make life for those around and behind him much simpler. If it does, then the defense will take a huge leap forward and be one of the best units in the sport.