Why McCaffrey is too low on CBS Sports’ top under-25 list

Should Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey be higher on CBS Sports top players’ under-25 list?

Christian McCaffrey is undisputedly up there when it comes to the NFL’s best players. The Carolina Panthers running back has taken the league by storm during his three-year stint with the organization so far. And there could be even more to come in the future.

His importance to the Carolina Panthers going forward cannot be understated. This is a roster that has undergone vast changes across the board and McCaffrey will be relied upon heavily to come up with outstanding numbers during this expected period of transition.

The former first-round pick out of Stamford officially became the face of the franchise when he signed a four-year extension worth more than $38 million guaranteed this offseason.  This puts even more responsibility on McCaffrey’s shoulders. But there is nothing to suggest he won’t continue to thrive.

McCaffrey has topped the NFL with 5,443 yards from scrimmage during his time in the NFL. The Panthers’ All-Pro has also reached the end zone 39 times, which is second most over a three-year period.

CBS Sports recently ranked the top 25 players under-25 in the NFL. McCaffrey came in at No. 8, which is somewhat surprising when one considers just how influential he has been for the Panthers.

Outlining the reasons behind the decision, CBS Sports writer Sean Wagner-McGough had this to say.

"“Trust me, it wasn’t easy putting a running back in the top 10 given their lack of value, but that’s how good McCaffrey has been since the Panthers made him a first-round pick three years ago. But McCaffrey’s awesome 2019 season is also the perfect example of how little running backs can impact a team. Despite his heroics, the Panthers won five games. It certainly wasn’t McCaffrey’s fault, but even with him playing at his peak, he couldn’t change the Panthers’ fate. McCaffrey’s individual brilliance is why he’s ranked in the top 10. But the position he plays is why he’s ranked eighth as opposed to third or fourth.”"

The list was headed by Super Bowl-winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes and current MVP Lamar Jackson at No. 1 and 2 respectively. Houston Texans signal-caller Deshaun Watson was at three, with imposing offensive guard Quenton Nelson at No. 4.

Also ahead of McCaffrey on the list were Joey Bosa, Myles Garrett, and Darius Leonard.

Why Carolina Panthers running back McCaffrey is too low on the list

One can make a significant case for Christian McCaffrey to be higher on the list. And had he ended up on a team more likely to contend than the Carolina Panthers, then his spot in the ranking would probably be different.

This is more a slight on the current situation the Panthers find themselves in than the talent McCaffrey brings to the table. It will be up to everyone within the organization to build a team that matches the exceptional gifts of their star player.

This is something that McCaffrey and their fanbase deserve after years of underachievement following their Super Bowl 50 appearance. Matt Rhule has laid the foundations during a busy offseason. But the running back will not want his prime wasted without having anything to show from them in terms of postseason appearances.

Running back is a position of the field that is rapidly becoming less important, according to opinion. Teams are reluctant to commit big-money and would much rather rely on talented rookies coming in than giving a substantial financial outlay to a more seasoned professional.

McCaffrey gave the Panthers no alternative with his supreme ability to impact the game on any given down. He is the best around when it comes to being a dual-threat player. And that is why he was deserving of a higher place on the CBS Sports’ list.