5 silent assassins on offense the Panthers could draft in 2021

Rakeem Boyd – RB (Arkansas)

Perhaps the biggest takeaway outside of quarterback production for the Carolina Panthers in 2020 was the need for a solid backup to put behind Christian McCaffrey. The All-Pro running back featured in just three games last season due to various injury problems and even though Mike Davis did perform well in his absence, the veteran is no longer around after signing for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

It remains to be seen whether Trenton Cannon, Rodney Smith or Reggie Bonnafon are capable of filling the void. But getting an exciting player from the college ranks wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world by any stretch of the imagination.

Rakeem Boyd might not even be considered as a No. 1 running back at the next level. However, the Panthers already have the best in the business taking up the majority of carries, and could be on the lookout for a complementary piece rather than a bell cow type prospect.

Boyd can be used in a variety of different ways and can also assist in the passing game when required. This includes working out of the slot or even in motion from the outside with equal effect.

There are some things he needs to work on in terms of elusiveness and Morris isn’t the most physical in the world when it comes to absorbing contact. But if the Panthers are looking for a late-round flyer that could make a difference down the road then there are far worse moves to make at this juncture.