Can Reggie Bonnafon make a bigger impact in 2020?

Can Carolina Panthers running back Reggie Bonnafon become the perfect foil for Christian McCaffrey in 2020?

The new season brings renewed hope for Carolina Panthers running back Reggie Bonnafon., He showed glimpses of promise in 2019 and there seems to be real confidence that the player can become the No. 2 option behind All-Pro Christian McCaffrey.

Bonnafon’s story is a fantastic one. He was largely overlooked coming out of Louisville in 2018 after things did not go according to plan in his senior year. The opportunity to finally show what he was capable of at the next level came when Carolina picked him up last spring.

The player made the most of any time he saw on the field. Although Bonnafon had just 16 carries, he secured a lofty yards-per-rush average of 7.3 and really caught the eye during his limited time with the offense.

Despite the upheaval to the Panthers roster this offseason. The organization recognized the potential in Bonnafon and gave him a one-year extension worth $675,000. Now he will get the chance for a larger role in the offense as offensive coordinator Joe Brady looks to take some of the pressure off McCaffrey going forward.

Carolina’s decision-makers have so far resisted the temptation to bring in a veteran back to put behind their star player. That indicates a substantial amount of faith in Bonnafon. And it will be up to the player himself to make further strides during what limited time the team has together in training camp.

Can Bonnafon make another leap with the Carolina Panthers?

There is little doubt that Bonnafon has all the tools needed to become a useful running back in short-yardage situations. The player demonstrated tremendous elusiveness last season. And his ability to get valuable yards after contact was another eye-catching element of his game.

Bonnafon is going to have a fight on his hands during camp if he wants to make the No. 2 spot his own. The likes of Mike Smith, Jordan Scarlett, and even undrafted free agent Rodney Smith will all harbor ambitions to not only make the roster but to step in if McCaffrey is forced to miss some time.

Given how Bonnafon impressed during 2019, he appears to be in the driving seat. There is the chance Scarlett can become his primary opposition to the role. But all signs point to the undrafted player getting the nod.

That might be the biggest test for the player. But what comes next will be equally as important. Bonnafon is fighting for a long-term future in Carolina and if he makes the most of the carries that come his way then it will be difficult for the organization not to commit to the backup.

If he continues to show potential, then he will not be short of offers from elsewhere if the Panthers decide not to keep him around. While starting jobs and running back value overall are both at a premium. Staking a claim for a prolonged career in the NFL is a testament to Bonnafon’s resolve and desire to succeed.

These are traits that will stand him in good stead in 2020 and possibly beyond. Bonnafon has a good chance of further growth and this can only be good news for the Panthers and McCaffrey.