7 running backs the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2022 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Which running backs could the Carolina Panthers select to further boost their options and help Christian McCaffrey during the 2022 NFL Draft?
It proved to be another frustrating campaign for Christian McCaffrey and the Carolina Panthers in 2021. The star running back remains an elite performer when on the field, but just seven appearances due to various injury complications derailed any hope the team had of making significant progress in the second year of Matt Rhule’s reign.
The Panthers are clearly too reliant on McCaffrey. Things went to pieces when the All-Pro was forced to the sidelines and this is something that has to change when competitive action resumes again in 2022.
Carolina brought in D’Onta Foreman during free agency, which should help greatly. The former Texas star filled in superbly for Derrick Henry on the Tennessee Titans last season and could be the power back needed to take some pressure off McCaffrey judging by some outstanding performances in a run-heavy offense last time around.
Rookie Chuba Hubbard also has room to develop. But the former fourth-round pick had difficulty with balance, blocking, and impacting proceedings in the passing game throughout his first season in the pros.
This could lead the Panthers to explore the possibility of securing another running back from the college ranks later on in the 2022 NFL Draft. Extra competition cannot hurt and especially considering offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo is planning to implement a downhill attack moving forward.
With this in mind, here are seven running backs the Panthers could select during the draft.