Panthers NFL Combine: RB Chubb impressive on Day One
Potential Carolina Panthers draft pick Nick Chubb impresses on Day One of the NFL Scouting Combine…
Last year the Carolina Panthers were targeting dynamic playmakers on offense to surround franchise quarterback Cam Newton. Eventually the first-round selection at the NFL Draft was running back Christian McCaffrey who analysts believed would be a welcome addition but not an every down back in Carolina.
The recent release of running back Jonathan Stewart leaves the position somewhat vacant for the time being. McCaffrey displayed enough last year to prove he could handle the workload, if asked, but the Panthers could also be targeting another running back with their first-round pick this season.
Prior to the NFL Draft declaration period for last year, Cat Crave projected Georgia running back Nick Chubb as a potential running back selection for the Panthers in addition to Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Wayne Gallman and Marlon Mack. Each landed in the NFL except for Chubb who opted to return for his senior year and nearly won the national championship as a result.
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A year later, he continues to impress and performed extremely well during the NFL Combine on Day One. Chubb ran the sixth fastest 40-yard dash (4.52) in addition to leading his running back group with 29 repetitions of the 225-pound bench press. He also nearly topped the group in the vertical, broad jump and three-cone drill posting a 5.68 grade via the NFL website which translates to a “chance to become NFL starter.”
With only three running backs currently on the roster, the Panthers need a starter if McCaffrey is going to be used in similar fashion to last season. Neither Fozzy Whittaker or Cameron Artis-Payne appears set to succeed Stewart anymore so than McCaffrey so new general manager Marty Hurney could fill the position via the draft.
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If so, Chubb remains a viable candidate this season based on his current projections although his impressive Day One performance could land him with another team, higher up the draft board, when the NFL Draft commences in April.