Chuba Hubbard – Carolina Panthers RB
Asking Chuba Hubbard to become the No. 1 running back as a rookie was a necessity for the Carolina Panthers. This was down in no small part to yet more injury problems for Christian McCaffrey, who turned out just seven times and the offense had no decent contingency plan despite the All-Pro missing 13 contests in 2020.
Hubbard was serviceable, but nothing more than that. The Oklahoma State product produced some solid moments en route to 612 rushing yards and five touchdowns, but there are some areas that need major work if the Panthers want to count on him further next season.
Firstly, Hubbard struggles with contact balance and gaining yards once players put a hit on him. Something that was largely responsible for his 3.6 yards-per-carry average.
Another area where Hubbard fails to meet requirements is in the passing game. Whether it’s consistency in catching the football or blocking, there is a lot of hard work ahead for the player with additional competition for the primary backup role.
Carolina secured D’Onta Foreman in free agency, who is a powerful presence that can be an asset in short-yardage and red-zone situations. This leaves Hubbard’s future under a cloud and unless the former fourth-round pick makes the necessary adjustments, his carries could decrease substantially in 2022.