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Carolina Panthers: Rookie running backs are impressing early

By Danny Jaillet

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 07: Elijah Holyfield #13 of the Georgia Bulldogs rushes for a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 07: Elijah Holyfield #13 of the Georgia Bulldogs rushes for a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Vanderbilt Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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The Carolina Panthers may have some real young talent in the backfield.

As Carolina Panthers rookie minicamp continued on Sunday, we learned some things about the rookie running backs. I have been very high on both of them, as both Jordan Scarlett and Elijah Holyfield have tremendous talent. Nevertheless, both are still very raw in some aspects. This was a great opportunity for them to show the Carolina Panthers coaches exactly what they are made of.

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One thing that they appear to be skilled in is pass-protecting. That is a huge development. While Christian McCaffrey can certainly hold his own in pass protection, that is not the first thing that the Carolina Panthers use him for on offense. That’s not his fault, that is just by default. The Panthers would rather have him as an offensive weapon than a pass protector, and we saw last season exactly why. He is tremendously effective in that role, so there really is no need for him in pass protection.

I’m sure the two rookies have a lot more going for them to just pass protection, if that ends up being their main role in the National Football League, that is okay with me. In today’s National Football League, you need several players that can do a tremendous job in pass protection. It doesn’t matter if they are on the offensive line or if they come from the backfield. Someone needs to excel at protecting the quarterback. Especially on blitzes and when defenses send rushers up the middle, that is when the majority of running backs are needed most in the passing game. They need to stop that defender from lighting up their quarterback.

In his rookie observations column on Panthers.com, Max Henson spoke glowingly about the running backs. So far, both of them have shown what it takes to succeed in the NFL. At least that’s what it sounds like.

"Running backs Jordan Scarlett and Elijah Holyfield aren’t known for their abilities in the passing game, but both showed good hands, albeit against air. Nothing against the two newcomers, but it really makes you appreciate Christian McCaffrey’s skill level as a route-runner. He’s just in a category all his own when it comes to pass-catching at the running back position.Speaking of running backs, first-year coach Jake Peetz spent some time with Scarlett and Holyfield on pass protection. Peetz brings a youthful enthusiasm to the job. Scarlett and Holyfield – two stout backs – have the strength to get the job done as pass protectors."

It sounds like in addition to their top-notch pass-protecting, they can also do a bit of receiving as well. They certainly need to be able to do that in a Norv Turner offense. Having a stronger group of wide receivers should put a little less pressure on the running backs in that area, but they still should figure to be a huge part of the passing game.

I’m excited to see these two running backs develop. The Carolina Panthers seem to have two promising running backs on their hand. The ground game is looking a lot more promising than it did a year ago.

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