Carolina Panthers: Running back battle breakdown, 2017 edition

The Carolina Panthers are poised to rebound in 2017, but which player will be the man at running back? Four players, including a rookie, vie for the starting job.

We’re almost out of the dead period in the NFL as minicamps and OTAs are done. Training camp is just mere weeks away, meaning it’s time to speculate about what could happen in both camp and in the 2017 season with all 32 teams.

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We debated major quarterback battles in New York, Chicago, Denver, and Houston. Now we turn to the Carolina Panthers and their running back quandary. With four players, including an established veteran and a rookie, who starts at running back for Carolina?

Two brothers from New York, Dan Salem and Todd Salem, discuss the Carolina Panthers in today’s NFL Sports Debate.

Carolina Panthers RB Contenders

Jonathan Stewart
Christian McCaffrey
Fozzy Whittaker
Cameron Artis-Payne

Details

Todd Salem: Last year, the Panthers gave more than 35 carries to four players. Three of those running backs are back for this season, and the fourth was quarterback Cam Newton. Newton will continue to run as long as his health remains. That means the Carolina backfield is crunched tighter than most other squads. Add to that the fact that the Panthers selected another back in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and things get real crowded.

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Stewart has been the workhorse, but has a legacy of injury. Despite his name recognition, he has just one 1,000-yard season in his nine-year NFL career. Whittaker and Artis-Payne aren’t real threats to steal a starting job here, but they do erase clarity for the rookie McCaffrey. If both make the team, that is a bad sign for McCaffrey’s breakout potential. Whittaker especially is a capable receiver and third-down back, which would be the easiest place to slide McCaffrey in.

Dan Salem: First-round running backs come with an expectation of playing right away. After Ezekiel Elliott dominated last season, the bar for McCaffrey is set rather high. That being said, the Carolina offense does not need him to be Superman — they already have Cam Newton. What the Panthers need are more options for Newton to unload the football to. They also need those options to stay healthy.

From a fantasy football perspective, this is a worst case scenario. But in terms of real life football, Carolina is in an enviable position. They have a successful starting running back, a highly touted rookie, a dominant running quarterback, and two viable back-ups who can dominate in spurts.

Selection

Todd Salem: I think the rookie back ends up playing a lot less running back than people expect. Stewart is the obvious starter as long as he’s healthy, but Artis-Payne and/or Whittaker strike me as logical backups, with McCaffrey playing more of a slot receiver role. The Panthers are short on receiving talent, and scouts worry about McCaffrey holding up long-term running between the tackles. This solves both issues.

Even if (when?) Stewart gets hurt, McCaffrey may not slide into the starting role. The team would be better served leaning on a veteran and using the young playmaker on the outside.

Dan Salem: Is McCaffrey ready for primetime? Do the Panthers trust his durability, considering the injury adventure Stewart has taken the team on?

I believe that Carolina keeps the football in Stewart’s hands on first and second down, at least as long as his body holds up. McCaffrey will be the Panthers’ third-down running back to begin the year, ultimately splitting reps with Stewart by mid-season. The team will be very careful not to overwork either player.

Unfortunately for Whittaker and Artis-Payne, this means one is getting cut prior to Week 1. The Panthers can’t justify carrying four running backs, when they need the help at wide receiver more.

Next: NFL 2017: Each team's biggest question before training camp

I don’t think McCaffrey is the answer at wide receiver, but there are a number of players still available to sign. Carolina can either protect Cam Newton and keep its extra running back, or release one and bring in another weapon for him to throw to. Considering his ability to move in the pocket, the team opts for a receiver.