5 draft prospects for the Panthers to replace Christian McCaffrey in 2023

Carolina Panthers could draft Jahmyr Gibbs

The performances of D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard were extremely encouraging as a tandem against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. But if the Carolina Panthers are intent on forming a long-term plan for sustainable success, then Jahmyr Gibbs is someone they should monitor closely over the college season and during the evaluation process.

Gibbs looks to be the next great running back emerging from Alabama, possessing the power and physicality that normally translates well to the next level. His transfer from Georgia Tech to the Crimson Tide has gone better than expected, with 973 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns from just eight games in 2022 so far.

There is a lot to like about the skills Gibbs brings to the table. He has the physique to bang between the tackles while also possessing enough explosiveness to make things happen on the edge as a dual-threat force out of the backfield.

Couple this with some encouraging blocking progression in passing sets, and it’s not hard to see why Gibbs is going to be a hot commodity when the time for assessing college prospects begins next year.

Gibbs represents an ideal replacement for Christian McCaffrey. However, one suspects the Panthers might have to move back into the first-round to acquire the player given his recent momentum.