Trades aplenty in full 7-round Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft

Carolina Panthers pick No. 213

CJ Verdell – RB (Oregon)

Adopting a run-first philosophy is something Matt Rhule is keen on. However, considering Christian McCaffrey cannot be relied upon for health reasons and Ameer Abdullah being out of contract, getting another prospect from the college ranks wouldn’t hurt in the slightest.

Although CJ Verdell has suffered some injury problems over the last two seasons, his talent is undeniable. Providing the medical checks are satisfactory, this could be a useful option for the Carolina Panthers and one that could assist their cause from the word go.

Verdell burst onto the scene at Oregon over his first two seasons – going over 1,000 rushing yards in both 2018 and 2019 before injuries have seen the player turn out just 10 times in two years.

The last thing Carolina needs is another injury-prone running back. That’s why the doctor evaluations will be of critical importance where Verdell is concerned.

It’s easy to focus on the negatives in situations like this. But one only has to look at Verdell’s running style to see how it could help the Panthers in the short and long term.

Obviously, McCaffrey and Chuba Hubbard would shoulder most of the load. This could allow Verdell to develop at his own pace and fully heal from the injury problems that cut his season with the Ducks short after five contests.