4 second-year Panthers players facing a make-or-break 2021
By Dean Jones
Rodney Smith – Carolina Panthers RB
Losing Christian McCaffrey for all but three games of the 2020 season was a real blow for the Carolina Panthers. They got some impressive production from veteran Mike Davis in the All-Pro’s absence, but he is now with the Atlanta Falcons and it will be up to others to step up and fill the void.
One primary candidate for this is Rodney Smith. The undrafted player out of Minnesota looked the part in the seven games he played – one of which he started – on his way to 156 rushing yards and one touchdown from 41 carries.
If Smith was hoping this would be enough to secure the primary backup role behind McCaffrey, he was out of luck.
The Panthers selected Chuba Hubbard in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, who impressed Matt Rhule considerably in college and could prove to be a real steal with a smooth transition to the professional ranks.
At least on the outside looking in, Hubbard is the favorite to occupy No. 2 on the depth chart, meaning Smith faces a real fight for his future in Carolina. He’ll need to beat out Trenton Cannon, Darius Clark, and Reggie Bonnafon to earn a place on the roster, with the potential of a practice squad position also under consideration.
This would arguably be a step back for Smith, who has to impress with his touches in the preseason.