Carolina Panthers: 3 second-year players who could break out in 2020
By Dean Jones
Jordan Scarlett – RB
The Carolina Panthers will once again be led by their All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey in 2020. The standout performer was at the top of his game last season to become only the third player in NFL history to record 1,000-yards rushing and receiving.
While new offensive coordinator Joe Brady is going to rely on McCaffrey heavily. He will need to take some of the pressure off in short-yardage situations and Jordan Scarlett could be the man for the job.
A former fifth-round pick out of Florida, Scarlett was used sparingly during his rookie season. But the coaching staff is reportedly high on his prospects of making a larger impact from a complementary role during the next campaign.
Reggie Bonnafon is listed as the No. 2 running back at the present moment. However, with another strong training camp and the prospect of further impressing during the preseason. Scarlett has a real opportunity to stake a claim for more carries in 2020.
The Panthers are not in a financial position to realistically bring in a veteran presence to put behind McCaffrey. So Scarlett and Bonnafon are likely to fight it out to see who can relieve the pressure on the Panthers’ prized asset.
There is also the presence of undrafted free agent Rodney Smith to consider. Minnesota’s record rusher is a fluid runner who has superb instincts when it comes to finding holes. If he catches the eye during camp, then this further complicates Scarlett’s chances of an increased role.
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Scarlett is still a relative unknown in terms of what he can bring to the table at the next level. This will be a big season for him and the player has to rise to the challenge.