Re-grading Panthers 2017 NFL Draft class after four years
By Dean Jones
Curtis Samuel – Carolina Panthers WR (Pick No. 40)
- Draft grade – A
It is going to be tough for the Carolina Panthers to keep Curtis Samuel around this offseason. The wide receiver has grown in stature with every passing year in the NFL after arriving with a big reputation from Ohio State. But the player took his game to new heights in 2020 on his way to 1,000 all-purpose yards for the first time in his career.
This has no doubt seen Samuel’s asking price regarding a new deal go through the roof. The Panthers may not be able to meet these demands and if he departs for a big-money move with an increased role elsewhere, it will be a big loss to an offense that depended on the wideout heavily this season.
Samuel has a rare ability to impact the game all over the field. Dynamic weapons like him don’t grow on trees and the second-round pick will be in high demand if the Panthers let him walk.
Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers RB (Pick No. 8)
- Draft grade – A+
There were a few eyebrows raised when the Panthers selected Christian McCaffrey at No. 8 overall. However, the star running back wasted no time in making his presence felt and is now widely regarded as one of the league’s best dual-threat weapons.
Prior to a frustrating 2020 season due to injury, McCaffrey became the third player in NFL history to go over 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same year. This earned him a bumper new deal in Carolina – which few would argue he didn’t deserve – and hopefully, he can return to his iron man status and become the Panthers’ bell cow once again next time around.
McCaffrey is the best in the business at what he does. The Panthers will only go as far as he takes them until they get a better quarterback under center, which might be sooner than expected if their aggressive efforts this offseason are any indication.