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2017 NFL Power Rankings: Los Angeles Rams benefit from NFL Draft

By Dan Parzych

Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates after a game against the against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) celebrates after a game against the against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. The Eagles won 45-42. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 5, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) runs the ball during practice at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) runs the ball during practice at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Carolina Panthers

Christian McCaffrey was considered one of the most talented players from this year’s draft class thanks to his ability to be a deadly threat at multiple positions, and after weeks of numerous rumors, the Carolina Panthers landed the former Stanford running back. One year after representing the NFC in the Super Bowl, the Panthers ended up being one of the biggest disappointments from the 2016 season by finishing with a 6-10 record, making it clear Cam Newton desperately needed help on offense.

Just like some of the other league’s toughest quarterbacks, Newton learned the hard way last season there’s only so much he can do on his own without the proper help. Now that McCaffrey will be able to take some of the pressure off Newton in the backfield along with a reliable option in the passing game, Carolina’s offense will hopefully find a way to return to the dominant level from the 2015 season in which they ranked near the top of the league.

Along with McCaffrey, the Panthers used their second pick (No. 40 in the second round) on another speedy playmaker for the offense in Curtis Samuel. With the help of these two rookies, here’s to hoping Newton can return to MVP form in 2017 to give Carolina a fighting chance to compete in the NFC South.

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