Panthers News: Where does McCaffrey rank in 2017 draft class?
By Dean Jones
Christian McCaffrey is a good Carolina Panthers news story this offseason, and that is especially evident when one looks at the other first-round picks in 2017.
It is proving to be a terrible looking class of 2017 overall from a first-round selection perspective. While other teams might be regretting some of their choices, the came cannot be said of the Carolina Panthers.
Three years to the day they signed their rookie running back Christian McCaffrey to his deal, only 15 his fellow first-rounders have had their fifth-year options picked up. The former No. 8 overall pick out of Stanford is the only player in this particular group that has currently received an extension.
That is sure to change in the not-too-distant future as speculation mounts regarding a blockbuster contract for Super Bowl-winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, who was taken two spots behind McCaffrey at ten.
While it may be an indication that there is no sure thing when picking a college prospect. It is also a testament to how well McCaffrey has settled into the NFL. He quickly established himself as an indispensable member of the Panthers’ franchise on his way to becoming the best dual-threat back in the league.
McCaffrey will now be tasked with spearheading the team’s future after signing a four-year extension worth $64 million, which was some good Panthers news from a difficult offseason. This included a $21 million signing bonus and $38.16 million guaranteed at a position that does not normally receive this level of financial commitment.
There is little doubt McCaffrey is worth the money. But what comes next for the Panthers will be keeping him fresh for the duration of his contract and try not to rely on him as heavily as they did in 2019.
Only four other players selected in the top ten had their options picked up. These were No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett, New York Jets safety Jamal Adams, Los Angeles Chargers wideout Mike Williams, and Mahomes.
Garrett was the only top-five player to have their fifth year guaranteed, with Mitchell Trubisky, Solomon Thomas, Leonard Fournette, and Corey Davis all facing an uncertain future next year.