Mel Kiper: Do-it-all Christian McCaffrey 'would be great pick' for Panthers at No. 8

[TruthVsComfort]

Pretty good article from ESPN.
 

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So the question was posed to ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay:

Knowing Carolina’s need at running back and slot receiver and how the goal offensively is to evolve as a more traditional offense to take the pressure off quarterback Cam Newton to run, what might be the value of the Panthers taking McCaffrey at No. 8 even if Fournette and Howard were still on the board?

Neither would be surprised if the Panthers went with McCaffrey, who can play running back, slot receiver, wide receiver and return kicks.

Both would have been surprised to say that a month ago.

“I think McCaffrey would be a great pick,’’ Kiper said Tuesday during a conference call with ESPN.com NFL Nation reporters. “I thought that all along. . . . I mean, if you watch him play he just knows the game. He’s so instinctive of a football player.

“I think McCaffrey goes somewhere in the top 10.’’

McShay calls McCaffrey the “most versatile offensive weapon in this entire draft class.’’

 

 

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You can make the case that Fournette or Howard would be better long-term fixes for Carolina.

Fournette is a younger and perhaps more powerful version of Jonathan Stewart, 30, who recently signed an extension through the 2018 season. He could be a force for the next six to eight years.

But unless the Panthers plan to greatly reduce Stewart’s carries this season, Fournette’s immediate role could be limited. He wouldn’t be the featured back he’s been.

Howard has been compared to Greg Olsen, who turned 32 in March. He could play immediately opposite Olsen and be a future replacement for the three-time Pro Bowl selection.

That’s why he’s been the big push until now.

But nobody potentially would have a bigger instant and more widespread impact offensively than McCaffrey.

He could get 10 to 12 touches as a running back and that many or more as a slot receiver, expected to play a bigger role as the offense evolves. He rushed for 3,622 yards and 21 touchdowns the past two seasons, and caught 82 passes for 955 yards and eight touchdowns.

McCaffrey also could fill the void left by wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr., now with the New Orleans Saints, as a punt returner. He averaged 11.2 yards a return at Stanford.

He also could return kickoffs, where in college he averaged 26.4 yards.

He easily could get 25-35 touches a game, more than you can envision Fournette getting unless Stewart is injured.

“I think McCaffrey [would be a good pick] for any team looking for a multi-dimensional weapon who is not just a running back,’’ Kiper said.

The Panthers already have hired McCaffrey’s college position coach, Lance Taylor, to coach the wide receivers. Taylor compared McCaffrey’s work ethic and leadership to that of Pro Bowl middle linebacker Luke Kuechly.

 

 

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He began surging up draft boards after the NFL combine, where he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds, better than Fournette (4.51) and Florida State’s Dalvin Cook (4.49).

McCaffrey blew away Fournette in the vertical jump, 37.5 inches to 28.5. He posted a time of 6.57 seconds in the three-cone drill that was the second fastest by a running back at the combine since 2003.

“He has rocketed up because people look at him and say safe pick, high value,’’ Kiper said. “He can do so much for you in today’s NFL. He’s got great value.’’

 

http://es.pn/2oKTFfu

I have really warmed up to the idea of McCaffrey at 8. At this point, I will be happy with either McCaffrey or Howard, unless there is a can't miss DE prospect, as I want to bolster the offense.

 

[X-Clown on 1]

The wait until the draft has really got me hanging.....too soon?

[Panthers8969]

Finally. I've been waiting for something definitive like this to prove we won't be taking him. If Mel Kiper thinks he's a good fit for us theres no chance we take him

[therealmjl]

Just now, Panthers8969 said:

Finally. I've been waiting for something definitive like this to prove we won't be taking him. If Mel Kiper thinks he's a good fit for us theres no chance we take him

Yep. 

Man I hate Mel Kiper has put the jinx on this kid for us.

[panther4life]

If someone starts a bold predictions thread, my response will be McCafrey won't be be a top 15 pick.

When you watch his games or even just his highlights if you don't have time to see the full scope, a huge chunk of his long TD run's are when he's got 7-9 dedicated blockers. We are talking jumbo package/goaline whatever you want to call out. 

Often times you'd see teams flood the box to counter this. The gamble being that if you didn't touch him within 5 yards of the los then he's gone. Sprinting all by himself because players either A.got blocked B. Over pursued and McCaffrey made them pay with quick cutback or just simply getting skinny in traffic. 

Every time I saw him motion out to the slot, it was not with the intent of him matching up against a nickel and going vertical. He was either their as a safety valve for dumpoff, a quick screen or an occasional crossing route. This slot receiver talk is all based on projection(unless he did it a lot in 15) vs production.  

 

 

 

[LinvilleGorge]

Not that I necessarily disagree, but has anyone ever made more of a career out of making definitive statements condescending actual professionals while being wrong far more often than right than Mel Kiper has?

Seriously, I really think Mel Kiper was part of the beginning of the end of ESPN as a legit news source for sports. He was part of that first wave of professional blowhards who largely made a career out of making outlandish claims to get attention.

[panther4life]

2 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Not that I necessarily disagree, but has anyone ever made more of a career out of making definitive statements condescending actual professionals while being wrong far more often than right than Mel Kiper has?

Seriously, I really think Mel Kiper was part of the beginning of the end of ESPN as a legit news source for sports. He was part of that first wave of professional blowhards who largely made a career out of making outlandish claims to get attention.

According to this scoring system he's still one of the best.

2015 http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2015/5/5/8547565/2015-nfl-mock-draft-grades-scoring-experts-espn-cbs-sports

2016 http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2016/5/3/11581982/nfl-mock-draft-grades-2016-scoring-experts-results-tracker-espn-cbs-sports-eagles

 

[JawnyBlaze]

59 minutes ago, Panthers8969 said:

Finally. I've been waiting for something definitive like this to prove we won't be taking him. If Mel Kiper thinks he's a good fit for us theres no chance we take him

Hah I came to this thread to say the same thing. This makes it official, we not taking McCaffrey at 8 thank goodness. 

[MechaZain]

Reminder that Kiper is due to retire next year after saying he would if Clausen wasn't a successful QB.

[MechaZain]

Reminder that Kiper picked Blaine Gabbert over "one year wonder" Cam Newton.

[billionairemonk]

https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/2010/10/12/1747443/si-story-implicates-mel-kiper-in-agent-payoff-investigation

[shaqattaq]

I'm not advocating McCaffery over Fournette, Howard or a stud DE or SS, but I agree with the comment that he would have a bigger impact this year than any of them. following G-money's "win now" mind set, he may very well be our pick. 

[Yaboychris28]

McCaffery> Howard If it comes down to those two

[WOW!!]

At this point I'm good with Cmac.. We are going to be a 2 back offense anyway.. We can get Stew's replacement next year  and cut Fozzy..