Carolina Panthers: 4 underhyped rookies heading into 2020

Carolina Panthers Player No. 3: Rodney Smith (RB)

Running back is a position that the Carolina Panthers look set for the foreseeable future with All-Pro Christian McCaffrey. There is also considerable hope within the organization that Reggie Bonnafon cam cement his position at No. 2 on the depth chart after showing signs of promise with the touches given to him in 2019.

The Panthers managed to secure the services of undrafted free-agent Rodney Smith after he failed to hear his name called. This was despite the player becoming Minnesota’s all-time leading rusher after a prolonged period of significant success in college.

Smith managed to accumulate 5,441 career all-purpose yards, 29 touchdowns, and 4,122 rushing yards in his career. He is a fluid runner that possesses tremendous awareness on the field. This is matched by the patience to find the right gaps that also played a leading role in his success.

The prospect might not have the explosiveness that is normally associated with running backs at the next level. But Carolina already has someone like that in McCaffrey. What the organization does need is a player that can make the hard yards when their franchise player needs some time off the field.

There is nothing to suggest that a runner with Smith’s experience is not capable of this. He will need to prove his worth during training camp to earn a roster spot. But he could definitely be classed as underhyped with the tools at his disposal.