Panthers 7-round mock draft featuring Baker Mayfield blockbuster trade

Carolina Panthers select Kyren Williams

• Running Back/Kick Returner | Notre Dame

You have probably heard of this a million times by now.

The Carolina Panthers need depth behind Christian McCaffrey to preserve his health and career length.

Carolina has already accomplished this feat by signing former Tennessee Titans running back D’Onta Foreman this offseason. However, the new arrival looks to be an early-down, short-yardage situation back that can get the hard yards after contact.

The organization still may need a running back that can complement McCaffrey in the passing game. This would take some pressure off the All-Pro, who has featured just 10 times over the last two seasons due to various injury problems.

Could that be second-year player Chuba Hubbard?

Possibly.

Though, he needs to prove he can be that guy.

Until he does, the Panthers should explore drafting another running back.

Kyren Williams is exactly the type of back that can complement McCaffrey on passing downs. On film, the former Notre Dame standout offers tremendous blocking skills and is a very reliable receiver with good vision, hands, quickness, and route-running ability.

Taking Williams in the back end of the third round would be a great value pick for the Panthers and Scott Fitterer. It could also solve their lack of kick returning options to further sweeten the pot.