NFL Training Camps: Carolina Panthers Rookie Report
By Jon Dove
The Carolina Panthers added some major offensive weapons in the early part of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Last year was a major disappointment for the Carolina Panthers who were hoping to make a return trip to the Super Bowl. The issue were wide spread including a step back for franchise quarterback Cam Newton.
Carolina is hoping the draft picks of Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel will make life easier for their quarterback. Both players are versatile athletes capable of impacting the game in multiple ways.
McCaffrey is the big prize and will see ton of targets right away. He’s an explosive athlete who is equally as dangerous as a runner, pass catcher and returner. Look for the Panthers to get him involved in all phases of the game.
Samuel has a similar skill set, but will spend more time working at wide receiver. He’s a shifty player who is capable of taking a short pass and turning into a big gain.
This is really the first time Newton has had offensive weapons capable of creating on their own. It will absolutely make easier. Carolina’s offense as a whole should run a lot smoother with these two on board.
The Panthers also beefed up their offensive by drafting Taylor Moton. He should head into training camp competing with Darryl Williams for the starting right tackle job. Moton also represents some versatility with the ability to play some guard.
Don’t be surprised to see defensive end Daeshon Hall as a major part of the defensive line rotation. The Panthers will need to do a lot of substitutions to keep the older Julius Peppers and Charles Johnson fresh.
Overall, the Panthers are going to get a lot of production from this rookie class. That production will come with some flash thanks to McCaffrey and Samuel.