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NFL Draft: Running back remains a Panthers priority

By Brandon Scott

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers warms up during pregame warm ups prior to playing the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers warms up during pregame warm ups prior to playing the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Running back remains a Carolina Panthers priority as the NFL Draft approaches…

Just one year after the Carolina Panthers selected running back Christian McCaffrey with their first pick of the NFL Draft, new general manager Marty Hurney may repeat the actions of his predecessor. Carolina used their eighth selection in order to surround quarterback Cam Newton with a dynamic offensive playmaker and McCaffrey was tabbed to fill that role.

All year long McCaffrey proved himself worthy of the pick and although his rushing numbers failed to stand out, the rookie made a significant impact in the passing game and literally changed how opposing defenses approached the Carolina offense as the season progressed.

Combined with the veteran ground and pound running style utilized by Jonathan Stewart, the McCaffrey and Stewart combination enjoyed both highs and lows last season. However, Stewart was released this offseason and will no longer be a factor in the Panthers backfield moving forward.

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Fellow running backs Fozzy Whittaker and Cameron Artis-Payne remain but neither has been forced to carry the entire workload for any significant amount of time. While Artis-Payne maintains a similar running style and could be poised for a big season, it is likely that Hurney targets a replacement in the upcoming NFL Draft.

According to reports from Walter Cherepinsky, Carolina has met with six different rushers this offseason that are currently projected to hear their names called at various points in the draft. On the surface it appears Hurney is preparing to employ multiple strategies, depending on how the days unfold in a couple weeks. A good plan since no one can predict how the draft will transpire.

Private visits were held for Georgia’s Nick Chubb and Rashaad Penny out of San Diego State. Nyheim Hines and Jaylen Samuels, both from North Carolina State, met following their Pro Day workouts with team personnel. Finally, the Panthers were introduced to Sony Michel (UGA) and fullback Ryan Nall (Oregon State) previously during the NFL Combine.

Next: Offseason Roster Review - Special Teams

Obviously an area of need, it will be interesting to see which running back ends up competing for playing time in new offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s offense once the season begins.

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