NFL analyst makes a claim few have about a key position group for the Panthers
The little-discussed running back position for the Carolina Panthers could present a problem for the rest of the league.
No one is saying the Carolina Panthers running back position is chalked full of elite talent.
However, the position isn't lacking in productive ball carriers either.
Pro Football Focus, a national football outlet, compiled a ranking of each team's running back group. The Panthers ranked No. 27, but there is still reason to believe the position won't play that badly once the season starts.
"Chuba Hubbard placed 18th in PFF wins above average last season (0.18), and the Panthers also drafted who I believe to be the top back in the 2024 NFL Draft in Jonathon Brooks, who earned an elite 92.0 rushing grade last season," writes Trevor Sikkema.
"If Brooks can progress nicely and confidently after his ACL tear in November, this has the chance to be a sneaky good group with an improved offensive line in front of them."
The only teams ranked lower than the Panthers on Sikkema's list were the New York Giants (No. 28), Denver Broncos (No. 29), Cincinnati Bengals (No. 30), Las Vegas Raiders (No. 31), and Dallas Cowboys (No. 32).
During the 2023 season, the Panthers' running game was non-existent. Carolina signed former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Miles Sanders to a lengthy contract believing he would be the running back of the future. It was a move that failed.
Hubbard quickly became the preeminent running back, racking up 902 yards, five touchdowns and 238 carries.
For new general manager Dan Morgan, he came into the offseason wanting to improve the running back position. He drafted Texas running back Jonathon Brooks, who is on track to heal from his ACL injury by the start of training camp.
New head coach Dave Canales said he planned to run the ball and use each running back on the roster during offseason workouts.
"Every team that I have been on, we used all of our running backs at different points because it's just such a violent position," Canales said. "We look for those players who can handle that. But we are going to run the ball. It's going to be a non-negotiable for us. This gives us a real chance to add another good runner to the mix."
With an offense defined by a lack of run game during the 2023 season dynamically changing, it isn't crazy to say the versatility of the Panthers' running back position could sneak up on several teams in the 2024 season. It isn't a popular opinion, but it could prove true.
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