Carolina Panthers: Draft Network simulator mock (7 rounds)

The Carolina Panthers pick up a physical running to compliment their All-Pro star Christian McCaffrey.

Joshua Kelley does not have the game-breaking speed or agility that McCaffrey provides. But is a stout running between the tackles and could pick up some valuable yards in short situations.

This is something that the Panthers do not want to put on McCaffrey. They will want to protect their investment after extending the player to a four-year, $64 million contract to make him the highest-paid running back in NFL history.

Keeping him out of positions of fierce contact is going to do his chances of avoiding injury the world of good. Kelley was productive for a UCLA offense that underachieved in 2019 on his way to 1,060 yards and 12 touchdowns.

He is also extremely elusive in tight areas, which is another valuable trait to have in the pros. Kelley can emerge as a valuable contributor on special teams and be installed on specialist situations should he end up on the Panthers.

Kelley does not bring much to the passing game either. But he is a violent running that attacks the line with urgency and if he can improve his balance at the next level, he could be a nice foil for Carolina’s new face of the franchise.