Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft after Championship Saturday

Carolina Panthers pick No. 251

Jerrion Ealy – RB (Ole Miss)

The situation regarding Christian McCaffrey is becoming more concerning with every passing season. His elite talent is not in question, but another injury-riddled campaign that ended prematurely after just seven appearances means the Carolina Panthers simply cannot rely on the All-Pro to put a consistent run of games together anymore.

That’s not to say McCaffrey won’t be a significant factor for the Panthers moving forward. But the coaching staff has to put a better plan in place to take the heat off their former first-round pick.

Chuba Hubbard has flashed during his rookie season. There might also be an opportunity for Ameer Abdullah to stick around in some capacity if he shows enough over the next five games.

However, a pocket rocket like Jerrion Ealy could also provide another spark from the college ranks despite slight concerns about his frame and durability.

List at 5-foot-8, Ealy does run between the tackles and is elusive in tight windows. Perhaps he’ll never be a primary back at the next level, but he could work well in a committee approach the Panthers need to implement due to McCaffrey’s recent complications staying on the field.

Ealy is also a solid pass-catcher out of the backfield, which will help enormously. With 2,713 combined yards and 24 touchdowns from 437 touches at Ole Miss, there are far worse avenues Carolina could go with their final selection.