Cameron Artis-Payne Impresses

[Chimera]

I think Igo excites me about a rookie running back every year.

 

I'm not falling for it this time. Prove me wrong, CAP.

[OnlyPantherFaninMaine]

Don't forget we signed Todman as well who is probably the best kick returner on this team already. He also brings a new dimension to our running game with his speed. The running back camp battle will be very interesting.

[Paintballr]

Hopefully we won't IR him and hope someone doesn't claim him

[Kevin Greene]

Can't wait to see some fresh legs in the back field with true NFL talent coming in.

With the potential line upgrades the effect will be far reaching on the offense.

[SOJA]

Why get your hopes up for a 5th round RB? Lets see if he makes the roster first

Why are you on a panthers board in the offseason? This is all we have man

[rodeo]

The training camp competition is going to be absurd for the RB position. The only sure thing on the roster at this point is Stewart. Unless CAP just sucks in camp he's the next closest thing to a lock by benefit of just being a recent draft pick.

 

Fozzy and Todman are probably a toss-up. I think Tolbert honestly could be a surprise cut this year.

[csx]

People making statements that either of these guys is clearly better than the other have no clue. You have no idea at this point.

[CPantherKing]

Well the Panthers have 11 draft picks from 2013 and 2014 - an average of 5.5 per year. The Panthers have not started or cut 4 of them in favor of UDFAs.

 

History tells me the Panthers will favor UDFAs over draft picks 40% of the time.

 

So, pick 2 drafted players who will be cut or not see a start this season in favor of a UDFA just signed or currently on the roster.

 

Shaq Thompson

Devin Funchess

Daryl Williams

David Mayo

Cameron Artis Payne

 

Then you factor in the current plan according to Rivera giving Stewart 15 carries a game, Tolbert 6 carries a game, and Cam 7 carries a game. That leaves 2 carries a game for the rest of the RBs.

 

So, Cameron Artis Payne is playing for a reserve spot that will not factor into games. He will have to wait for an injury and hope the Panthers cut Fozzy to get an opportunity.

 

This is how I rank the current backs on the roster.

 

1. Jonathan Stewart

2. Mike Tolbert

3. Brandon Whegher

4. Fozzy Whittaker

5. Jordan Todman

6. Cameron Artis Payne

7. Darrin Reaves

8. Lee Ward

 

What will hurt Reaves and Artis-Payne is an inability to contribute to special teams, which Whegher, Fozzy, Ward, and Todman can contribute to the team on special teams.

 

Whegher is the one to watch. That kid is an athletic freak. He can play WR, RB, kick Returner, punt returner, gunner, and FB. He could probably play SS too. He will deliver devastating blocks, take 5 defenders to take him down, launch himself in the air from the 6 yard line to get in the endzone and his vision and quickness is unbelievable. There is nothing he can not do on the football field. He ran a 4.4 40, averaged over 200 yards a game, and scored 39 TDs in one season. He set freshman records at Iowa a few years back.

 

If Whegher has managed to find some discipline and maturity, he will be an impact on any team. He is going to open some eyes when the pads are on and the preseason games start. Check out his story.