Three Carolina Panthers fantasy football locks for 2018

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CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 17: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Christian McCaffrey

Christian McCaffrey is a special player. There is no doubt about it. After all, his 2017 statistics showed that he was one of the top rookie running backs in the league. He recorded 177 rushes for 435 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, he proved to be a valuable receiving back. He totaled 80 catches for 651 yards and five touchdowns.

Last year in the ESPN fantasy mock draft Stephania Bell selected him with the first pick in the third round (No. 21 overall). Being a rookie at the time, that may have seemed like a high slot. However, looking back on it now, some would consider it a value pick.

This year in the ESPN mock draft, Eric Karabell picked him in the second round (No. 19 overall).

The reason CMC is No. 3 on my list is because of the offensive line. There have been estimates that he will receive upwards of 200 carries. How far he will get because of the line is a different story. If anything, he will maximize his value as a receiver, especially in a PPR (points per reception) league.

Even with a new cast of wideouts, McCaffrey should get his fair share of catches out of the backfield in addition to his carries. He should be able to put together a couple of really good games on the ground to make him a worthwhile pick. I wouldn’t select him in the first round, but a late second-round/early third-round slot would be appropriate for him.

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