3 big ways the Panthers have helped Christian McCaffrey this offseason

Christian McCaffrey has a better OL to work behind

Having a stable offensive line is something the Carolina Panthers have not had under the current regime. Little was expected of the 2021 unit after questionable free-agent signings and not addressing this positional group until Round 3 of the draft, but they were unable to meet even the lowliest of expectations and crumbled in the face of concerted pressure throughout.

Credit to the front office for recognizing the need to get better. The Panthers signed two productive veteran pieces in Bradley Bozeman and Austin Corbett, who should sure up the interior and also provide some encouraging running lanes for Christian McCaffrey and others to do damage.

There is still a chance that the Panthers use the No. 6 overall selection on a premier left tackle. It would certainly be difficult to pass up the opportunity of bringing Evan Neal or Ikem Ekwonu to the organization if they fell out of the top five.

Couple this with the potential for Brady Christensen to make additional strides during the second season of his professional career, and the Panthers might finally be on to something with their offensive line. This will be music to the ears of McCaffrey, who has taken a significant beating behind porous protection over the last two seasons.

Keeping his own house in order will be key in terms of preparing and keeping fit. But if he can do this, then there could be a huge campaign in the offing operating behind much-improved protection under James Campen, one of the best positional coaches in the business.