4 prospects who could take Christian McCaffrey to new heights in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which NFL Draft prospects could help running back Christian McCaffrey reach even greater heights for the Carolina Panthers in 2021?
It is clear that Christian McCaffrey is a man on a mission in 2021. The Carolina Panthers running back endured a torrid time last season due to various injuries that restricted him to three games, which left some wondering whether the organization was right to give him such a lucrative deal before competitive action got underway.
There are no doubting McCaffrey’s credentials when fit and firing on all cylinders. He is arguably the NFL’s best dual-threat player at the position and the Panthers’ focal point on offense. So it’s vital that the team not only preserves their star player to make the most out of his supreme talents but put the right pieces around the All-Pro to maximize his chances of a bounce-back campaign.
McCaffrey will be working with a new quarterback alongside him in the backfield next season after Carolina traded for Sam Darnold from the New York Jets. The pair have already begun working on chemistry in readiness for OTAs and training camp, which will stand them in good stead when it’s time for them to hit the gridiron later this year.
With this in mind, here are four incoming college prospects the Panthers can target that would help McCaffrey moving forward.
Prospect No. 1
Penei Sewell – OT (Oregon)
Not only is Penei Sewell considered to be the best pass protector entering the league in a generation. But his outstanding prowess also creating running lanes is another element to his game that should not be overlooked.
The Oregon standout is mobile enough to assist at the second level or as a running blocker on the edge, with his aggressive nature crushing opposing defensive linemen throughout his time in college.
The benefits to the Carolina Panthers selecting Sewell are there for all to see. However, it does not appear too likely he will be around at No. 8 judging by the buzz he’s generated throughout the evaluation process.
Christian McCaffrey would welcome Sewell’s arrival more than most. Carolina’s run blocking was actually pretty good in 2020 despite the obvious problems pass protecting, so if they managed to get their hands of the stud prospect it could make all the difference.