3 Carolina Panthers who could hit the ground running at camp
By Dean Jones
REGGIEBONNAFON. player. RB. CAROLINA PANTHERS. 1. 87. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Carolina Panthers Player No. 1: Reggie Bonnafon (RB)
The Carolina Panthers have their star running back in Christian McCaffrey. But it wouldn’t be smart for the organization to give their All-Pro more than 400 combined touches once again in 2020.
They recently gave McCaffrey a four-year, $64 million deal with a $21 million signing bonus and $38 million guaranteed. This is the richest contract ever given to a player at the position. And the Panthers will want to ensure the former first-round pick is fresh for the duration of his new contract.
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Reggie Bonnafon made the most out of the opportunities that came his way in 2019. The player gained a lofty 7.3 yards-per-carry average from just 16 touches. This also included 116 yards and a touchdown.
This should ensure that the second-year back will head into training camp riding on the crest of a wave. He will have to impress a brand-new coaching staff in the coming weeks. But it’s hard not to be impressed by the way Bonnafon applied himself in his first taste of an NFL field.
Bonnafon will need to show that he is capable of carrying more of the load. And he is at the very least a nice complementary pice in the event McCaffrey needs to miss some time or sit out during contests.
He is the clear frontrunner to acquire the No. 2 spot. And if Bonnafon continues to trend on an upward curve. It could result in the Panthers giving him a longer-term commitment.