Panthers NFL Draft Prospects: Sony Michel, RB

A college football superstar could find his way to the Carolina Panthers..

If you are a college football fan, you have heard the name Sony Michel. The Georgia running back along with fellow back Nick Chubb has been a mainstay in the Georgia backfield for a number of years.

Now, he has aspirations to take his talents to the National Football League, and the Carolina Panthers are among the teams clamoring for his services. He met with the Panthers at the Combine, and his name has popped up in connection with the Panthers a couple times before.

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Even in a college career hampered by injuries, Michel put up big-time numbers while a member of the Bulldogs. In four seasons, he rushed the ball 590 times for 3,613 yards, and 33 touchdowns.   After putting the rest of the SEC on watch his freshman year, Michel’s big break came the following season.

In his sophomore campaign, he played in 13 games, carrying the ball 218 times for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns. With his major year, he established himself as one of the top backs in the SEC and a bona fide star in the game.

After splitting time with Chubb in his junior campaign, Michel had another tremendous year in 2017, his senior campaign. In 14 games, he carried the ball 156 times for 1227 yards and 16 touchdowns. After a couple down years, he reestablished himself as a top SEC back and helped his draft stock considerably.

How would Michel help the Panthers? He would add even more depth to the backfield. With Christian McCaffrey, Fozzy Whittaker and Cameron Artis-Payne all available in the backfield, the Panthers already have a solid group. The addition of Michel would not only add depth but legitimate talent.

No one knows what to expect from any of these backs heading into 2018. McCaffrey could suffer a sophomore slump. Whittaker and Artis Payne could fail to take off (although let’s hope that’s not the case.) Michel could act as a much needed backup plan, and the fact that he comes from an SEC school only adds to his pedigree.

Next: Panthers NFL Draft Prospects: Austin Proehl, WR

If Sony Michel is there, the Carolina Panthers should take him. They need depth and talent at the running back position, and Michel figures to be much more than just a depth piece.