5 Carolina Panthers players who desperately need to develop in 2022

Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers RB

It was a baptism of fire for Chuba Hubbard in 2021. The fourth-round pick was expected to be a rotational piece while developing key areas of his game, but another injury-hit year for Christian McCaffrey meant the Carolina Panthers had no choice other than to thrust the Oklahoma State product into the spotlight.

Hubbard went through some expected growing pains. But there were some nice moments thrown in that could lead the player to bigger and better things moving forward.

Obviously, the hope is that McCaffrey can stay on the field more consistently. The Panthers are not the same force on offense without him and the only way they can accomplish this is by taking some of the pressure off his shoulders.

Providing Hubbard makes additional improvements in the coming months, then he’ll have another big part to play. But the prospect of bringing in additional help at the position cannot be ruled out and especially if Ameer Abdullah doesn’t come back.

In order for Hubbard to achieve this, he has to brush up on his pass-catching and somehow become more physical in the hope of gaining yards after initial contact. A tough ask for a player that had these question marks throughout his time in college.

For a Day 3 pick, Hubbard’s initial contribution was pleasing. It’s what comes next that will define his role long-term.