From Christian McCaffrey to the rest, a look at the Panthers RBs in 2021
By Jason Huber
The Carolina Panthers drafted Chuba Hubbard and he’s expected to make an impact quickly.
Mike Davis is no longer with the Carolina Panthers, so the team will be looking for a solid backup to stand in when Christian McCaffrey needs rest.
New general manager Scott Fitterer might have filled that need for the long-haul in former Oklahoma State back Chuba Hubbard.
Drafted in the fourth round, Hubbard comes to Carolina after running for 3,459 yards and 33 touchdowns in three collegiate seasons, including an FBS leading 2,094 yards and 21 scores during his 2019 campaign.
In his final season at Oklahoma State, he was limited to just seven games due to some lingering injuries and didn’t have the exact same impact he did the year prior. But at 6-foot and 210 pounds, Hubbard is bringing a ton of athleticism to the Panthers.
Hubbard has proven that he can also be a weapon out of the backfield.
Speed is one of his greatest strengths, and he can cut when he has the ball fairly easily. But the downside is he will likely need to gain some weight and prove that he can be a physical back that can get the tough, short yards when needed.
However, running backs Reggie Bonnafon, Rodney Smith and Trenton Cannon didn’t show anything spectacular when they were on the field last season, making the RB2 position Hubbard’s to lose.
It remains to be seen but as long as he can make an impact with the handful of carries he’ll likely get every game, the Panthers might’ve found the perfect backup.