Cat Scratch Reader
The Carolina Panthers have bigger needs, but a running back pickup wouldn’t be the worst thing for them.
The good thing about being a terrible team is that you can go into the draft with a pretty clean slate. Just about everything is a need at some level, so you’re not too conflicted over the prioritization over the best player available and the needs of your team. The intersection of those two is always present.
The Carolina Panthers and the running back position fit that bill. The Panthers would be silly to take a running back with one of their second round picks. They have much more pressing issues at positions that this class is loaded with, and there aren’t really any running backs mocked to go by the time the Panthers are on the clock. However, the duo of Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard is decidedly mediocre, and a chance to find some pop in the mid to later rounds could pique the interest of Dan Morgan and company.
Wright is possibly a 3rd round target. He’s an explosive runner in the open field, and his 4.38 speed is difficult to run down if he gets out in front of defenders. He’s got decent size for a running back with that speed and runs hard. He’s not the most wiggly runner, but he has a lot more explosiveness than either of the two backs the Panthers currently have on their roster.
Lloyd is a short stubby, back that has the wiggle you’d expect from a 5’9” runner but more burst than you’d expect for being 220 pounds. He’s got good patience at the line and has the agility to navigate tight spaces. He wasn’t used much as a receiver in college, but the few receptions he did have looked very natural and show some possible untapped potential. He’s a possible 4th round target.
The first two back mentioned are coveted more for their potential big play ability. Estime’s strengths lie on the other end of the spectrum. He’s not particularly explosive, but he’s a compact, powerful back that has the tools to specialize in short yardage situations. He’s also a capable receiver out of the backfield, making him a unique weapon in 3rd down situations.
Shipley is a local kid. He grew up in Weddington (a suburb of Charlotte) and went to Weddington High School. He stayed local and went to Clemson. He’s an agile runner with a good shoulder shimmy and dead leg cut to make defenders miss in space. He doesn’t have great power or finishing ability, but he’s skilled as a runner, receiver, and returner. The renewed emphasis on kickoff returns may make Shipley a more intriguing option on Day 3.
