There are very few rookies from the 2017 draft class that had a better year than Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey had a big role in every aspect of the Carolina Panthers offense this season. The eighth overall pick was third in rushing on the team behind quarterback Cam Newton and fellow rusher Jonathan Stewart. McCaffrey had an even bigger role in the passing game. He led the Panthers in targets and receptions and was second in receiving yards and touchdowns behind wideout Devin Funchess. McCaffrey finished the season with 435 rushing yards, 651 receiving yards, and seven total touchdowns.
How will Christian McCaffrey build on his outstanding rookie season in 2018?
The Panthers rookie running back made his mark in the running and passing game last season. We look at how McCaffrey can improve in 2018.
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McCaffrey rarely looked like a rookie. He was held under 50 total yards in just four games all season. McCaffrey also broke the Panthers’ franchise rookie reception record with 80 this season.
Looking ahead at 2018
McCaffrey had such a great rookie year it is hard to imagine he can get better in 2018. There is room for him to improve in the running game, however. McCaffrey averaged just under four yards per carry. He had 117 rushing attempts this season, 81 fewer than his counterpart Stewart and 22 behind Newton. The Panthers took some big blows in the receiving corps 2017 with injuries to Greg Olsen and the trade of Kelvin Benjamin. McCaffrey filled in a big void as the Panthers’ pass-catching back. If he does not see a rise in production running the ball, he should continue to be a big factor in the passing game.
Fantasy Slant
McCaffrey is going to be a hot pick in 2018 drafts, especially in PPR leagues. He is a good rusher and great receiver. The Panthers also use him heavily throughout the offense. McCaffrey will likely to be gone by the fourth round in all leagues.
