Versatility is one of those buzz words you hear ascribed to NFL players just a little bit too often. Unless they can actually line up at multiple positions and have a varied skill-set, it rings hollow. Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is not one of those cases, though. McCaffrey is right in the middle of an evolution at the position, where the top performers are every bit as dynamic as backfield receivers as they are rushers.
Players like Todd Gurley, Saquon Barkley, Alvin Kamara and McCaffrey are redefining the way running back is played at this level. Unlike his rookie year, McCaffrey is finally getting his due recognition, as well.
In a recent video from Pro Football Focus on their Youtube channel, they named McCaffrey as one of the league’s most versatile players based on his ability to line up as a receiver. His versatility is the top selling point, but we also need to talk about his durability. PFF says McCaffrey played the second most snaps of any running back they’ve ever recorded in 2018. Watch.
With a giant question mark hanging over Cam Newton and his throwing shoulder, the Panthers should be more happy than ever that they spent a top-10 pick on McCaffrey two years ago.
