Panthers Select Running Back Christian McCaffrey With Eighth Pick In 2017 Draft

Wali Alston,

The Carolina Panthers selected Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey with the eighth pick in the Β 2017 draft.

Many people believed the Panthers would select a running back with their first-round draft pick and the Panthers did not disappoint. Β McCaffrey’s versatility should bolster an already powerful offense.

The six foot, 200 pound play maker is capable of filling multiple roles for the Panthers. Β He was a traditional tail back at Stanford and he will certainly see some snaps at that position in the NFL, but he Panthers still have Jonathan Stewart, who is a bigger, more physical runner as the feature back.

McCaffrey has great hands and is a very good receiver out of the backfield . Β He will likely assume a role similar to Fozzy Whitaker as a third down back, but certainly offensive coordinator Mike Shula will want to use McCaffrey in the slot position, creating mismatches with linebackers and safeties. Β His elusiveness and speed make him a constant threat to score, so the objective is to get him the ball in space regardless of where he lines up.

One critique of the Panthers’ offense has been its predictability. Β The offense needs to evolve anyway, but McCaffrey makes the evolution more exciting. Β I expect more screens and swing passes to be implemented, as well as quick slants and outs with McCaffrey in the slot to maximize his advantage over slower defenders. Β When he operates as a running back, I would expect plays designed to get him outside of the tackles to be utilized.

His most immediate impact may be as a kick and punt returner. Β The Panthers were near the Β bottom of the league in punt return average at 6.97 yards per return, and they called for the most fair catches (24). Β The ability to make big plays on special teams should make life easier on the offense. Β The departure of Ted Ginn Jr. and Corey Brown allows McCaffrey to step into the primary kick returner role immediately.

Darren Sproles, Danny Woodhead and Reggie Bush are good comparisons for McCaffrey. Β Each is an excellent receiver and they are all capable of making explosive plays from anywhere on the field.

The thought of McCaffrey on the field with Cam Newton, Greg Olsen, Jonathan Stewart, and Devin Funchess should keep defensive coordinators awake many nights this season.