Are Shaq Thompson & Frankie Luvu Mid-Tier Linebackers?

Pro Football Focus doesn't think very highly of the Panthers' linebacker duo.

The Panthers will have several new starters this upcoming season but one spot where there is some stability is at linebacker with Shaq Thompson and Frankie Luvu.

Thompson agreed to a reworked deal earlier this offseason to remain in Carolina. It's a big deal and probably bigger than most realize. He's the vocal leader of the defense and has a lot of respect in that locker room. And oh yeah, he can play ball too.

But where do Luvu and Thompson rank among their peers? According to Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, they're considered to be middle of the pack.

Frankie Luvu - Tier 3

"Luvu looked like he was about to put himself in the conversation as one of the best linebackers of 2022 with how he was playing early on. He was a top-tier run defender, earning an 89.5 run-defense grade."

Others in that tier: T.J. Edwards (Bears), Nick Bolton (Chiefs), Eric Kendricks (Chargers), David Long Jr. (Dolphins).

Shaq Thompson - Tier 5

"Thompson shined as a run defender in 2022, earning a 90.2 run-defense grade, but his coverage grade dipped from a 72.6 last season to a 57.4 mark in 2022. His 74.3% completion percentage allowed and 64.9% open-target percentage were high."

Others in that tier: Germaine Pratt (Bengals), Azeez Al-Shaair (Titans), Bobby Okereke (Giants), Logan Wilson (Bengals).

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