The Rotation Pieces
While Anderson and McCaffrey are likely to see the majority of the running back snaps this season, early signs have suggested that the rotation might be slightly expanded under Norv Turner than it has been in recent years. The two main candidates for an expanded role are Cameron Artis-Payne and Alex Armah, and how much they are used and in what way will certainly be something to watch throughout training camp and the preseason. Artis-Payne averaged over five yards per carry on limited snaps last season with a running style somewhere in between that of Anderson and McCaffrey; at times, it was reminiscent of former Panthers DeAngelo Williams. As the Norv Turner running game is still something of a mystery, it isn’t at all clear how they might look to get Artis-Payne involved but as training camp goes on it will be interesting to see if Turner has a plan for how to work Artis-Payne into the rotation.
Alex Armah didn’t see a carry or a target last season as he spent a few games mixing between fullback and tight end and while he will likely continue to see snaps as a specialist blocker in the run game, early signs are that he is on track for an expanded role in the offense. Norv Turner has historically used his fullbacks more than almost anybody in the NFL, both as rushers and receivers, and Armah could well be a far more significant part of this offense this season than many expect. He showed the ability to be an effective receiving option both in college and in last year’s preseason, but he is fairly inexperienced as a ball carrier; thus far during offseason practices, he has seen snaps as the inside option on triple option plays and given his versatility in terms of being a lead blocker out of the same formation this could well be a way in which Norv looks to get Armah involved. He might not be the biggest name of the roster, but training camp could see Armah carve out a significant role in this new-look offense.
The Other Guys
The Panthers have historically carried four running backs and a fullback, but with Christian McCaffrey making the scat-back role almost obsolete they are expected by many to only carry only four, including the versatile Armah. Of the other players on the training camp roster, Kenjon Barner is the only other player with a reasonable chance of making the final roster, though his place will be far more dependant on his ability to carve out a return role on special teams than his ability to contribute to the offense. Barner does have decent return ability, but with Damiere Byrd, DJ Moore, Curtis Samuel and Christian McCaffrey also on the roster he will likely face an uphill battle to hang around past training camp.
Elijah Hood is another offseason addition who is likely looking to compete for a practice squad position rather than a roster spot. He does have some power and could possibly push Artis-Payne with an excellent training camp but it would likely take a lot to oust a veteran rotation piece with proven production, albeit over a small sample size. The UDFA addition Reggie Bonnafon is a complete unknown in terms of ability, and given his 6’0, 215 pound frame and history of playing at receiver he could also see some snaps at that scat back role or even lined up out wide. It would be a shock to see him make the final roster at this stage, but he has a diverse skill set and may be placed on the practice squad if the Panthers have an idea of how they might want to use a player of his type going forwards.
While Jonathan Stewart has been a valuable contributor over the best part of a decade, his replacement by Anderson likely marks an improvement in terms of the Panthers’ ability to run inside and certainly signifies an improvement in the passing game. That, combined with another year for McCaffrey to get up to speed and the increased involvement of Artis-Payne and potentially Armah in the Panthers rushing attack and the Panthers should expect an improvement on the 1228 yards and nine TDs they managed as a group on the ground last season.
Way-Too-Early Roster Prediction
Starters: CJ Anderson, Christian McCaffrey
Rotation Pieces: Cameron Artis-Payne, Alex Armah
Practice Squad: Reggie Bonnafon
Roster Hopefuls: Elijah Hood, Kenjon Barner
