Panthers land versatile weapon in McCaffrey
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Carolina Panthers selected running back Christian McCaffrey out of Stanford with the eighth overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft.
The Panthers never really attempted to hide their interest in McCaffrey, and were fortunate to watch him fall right into their laps.
In McCaffrey, Carolina gets a shifty runner who's as deadly as a receiver as he is on slashing runs.
McCaffrey is perhaps a bit small to be a feature back in the NFL, but the Panthers happen to have a large, durable quarterback who is plenty capable of handling goal-line carries in Cam Newton.
Christian McCaffrey Bio
Position: RB
School: Stanford
College Experience: Junior
Height: 5-11
Weight: 202 lbs.
Strengths
- Set NCAA record for all-purpose yards in a single season as a sophomore with 3,864.
- Boasts unique versatility. Featured pass-catching ability and kick-return skills throughout his college career.
- Durable runner. Handled 590 carries over his last two seasons.
- Owns the vision of a veteran.
Weaknesses
- Small for an every-down back.
- May not be able to outrun NFL defenders.
- For all his athleticism, lacks the power and physicality of an up-the-gut runner.
Combine Results
| Event | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-yd Dash | 4.48 sec |
| Bench Press | 10 reps |
| Vertical Jump | 37.5 inches |
| Broad Jump | 121 inches |
| 3-Cone Drill | 6.57 sec |
| 20-yd Shuttle | 4.22 sec |