Carolina Panthers get their backup RB with Chuba Hubbard pick

The Carolina Panthers kicked off what promises to be an eventful Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft by drafting Chuba Hubbard with the No. 126 overall selection.

To say it was an eventful Day 2 for the Carolina Panthers would be something of an understatement. A frenzied period of activity for the franchise saw them get their hands on two additional third-round picks from a pair of trade downs in the second, which they put to extremely good use thanks to a shrewd series of selections.

First came LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. Next was BYU offensive tackle Brady Christensen and Notre Dame tight end Tommy Tremble also joining what is looking like an increasingly strong roster full of promising young talent.

Whether they will be able to hit the ground running collectively remains to be seen. However, the Panthers did a nice job of plugging some depth holes with veterans in free agency that should assist with their transition, at the very least.

Scott Fitterer has made a huge impression on the very way the Panthers are approaching the draft if these first two days are any indication. Matt Rhule’s extensive knowledge of the college system has also assisted the process an untold amount and few would argue they haven’t done a tremendous job so far.

Trading out of the third-round gave them the opportunity to pick in the fourth and fifth rounds, with Carolina also possessing three sixth-rounders to further enhance their claims for progression next season.

With their first pick on Day 3, the Panthers managed to get their hands on Chuba Hubbard at No. 126 overall, which means they could now have their primary running back for Christian McCaffrey after Mike Davis left for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency.

This came after yet another move down the board, which saw Carolina secure another fifth-rounder and a seventh for good measure from the Tennessee Titans.

What Chuba Hubbard can bring to the Carolina Panthers

It’s hard to tell just what sort of impact Hubbard will make initially. But as is the case with every pick Carolina has made so far, the athleticism, desire, and fiery play on the field are there for all to see.

It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that analytics is playing a key role in Carolina’s approach during the draft under Fitterer, which is exactly why team owner David Tepper brought him in. Hubbard tested extremely well during the evaluation process and is also a high character individual who now comes into the league with a big chip on his shoulder.

This can only mean good things for the Panthers. Hubbard is another solid option with a ton of useful physical attributes to call upon, which only adds to an impressive series of selections from the team so far.

There is going to be plenty more to come, with the potential of another trade back another option that will undoubtedly be explored by Fitterer should the opportunity arise.

Welcome to Carolina, Chuba Hubbard. You’re going to love it here.