6 potential first-round targets if the Panthers make 2022 playoffs

Carolina Panthers could draft Bijan Robinson

• Running Back | Texas

Steve Wilks accomplished more in eight games than Matt Rhule managed in three years. This is especially evident when it comes to establishing an identity on offense.

The Carolina Panthers are a run-first operation that likes to wear opposing teams down in the trenches. Something that’s brought a sharp upturn in results en route to a potential NFC South title triumph if everything continues trending in a positive direction.

D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard are both doing well after the Panthers traded Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers. Raheem Blackshear’s also flashed when called upon, but if Wilks gets the job long-term and maintains this scheme, then Bijan Robinson is a prospect that must be considered.

Robinson was college football’s best running back in 2022 and it wasn’t particularly close. He is explosive, powerful, quick, and has a rare vision that makes him incredibly difficult to stop.

Drafting Robinson would not prevent the Panthers from giving Foreman the extension he deserves. And considering how well Carolina is running the football right now, acquiring one of the best pure athletes entering the NFL in 2023 could take them to a completely different stratosphere.

A running back room of Foreman and Robinson with Hubbard providing a complementary presence would strike fear into any opposing defense. So when the time comes for Carolina to create their shortlist, the Texas phenom should be on it.