8 prospects surging up Panthers draft board after the 2022 Combine

Pierre Strong Jr. – RB (South Dakota State)

The Carolina Panthers would be wise to consider adding another running back at some stage this offseason. Christian McCaffrey is still one of the best in the business, but an inability to stay healthy over the last two seasons has to come with a shift in how the All-Pro is utilized to avoid any further complications.

There are a number of potential options emerging from the college ranks that might provide the Panthers some value in the mid-to-late rounds. Pierre Strong Jr. falls into this category and the South Dakota State product enhanced his credentials with a fine display of his obvious physical attributes at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine.

Strong caught the eye and provided enough evidence to suggest he could become a solid contributor at the next level. He was the fastest running back in the 40-yard dash and backed this up with a superb effort during agility drills.

Carolina wouldn’t need Strong to become a lead back anytime soon with McCaffrey and Chuba Hubbard on the team. However, they do need someone that can gain the hard yards in between the tackles and this is why he should enter their thoughts on Day 3 if he makes it that far.

The Panthers could do far worse than look in Strong’s direction. But his blocking and pass-catching prowess need to improve in the pros.