The Traditional Running Back

The traditional big time running back over the last ten years has been a running back that normally stands around 6 foot to 6-2 and weighs between 215 and 230 pounds. These traditional running backs like Ezekiel Elliot and Saquan Barkley have that kind of size with 4.4 and under speed. Traditionally you go with these types of backs as your headliner or you just go with your running back by committee approach. Running backs that catch the ball out of the backfield with good but not great speed have traditionally been relegated to third down running back roles. When Mccaffrey came into the league that was what he mostly was. Then Jonathan Stewart’s career came to a close which left Mccaffrey as the lead back.

Christian Mccaffrey the Unicorn

Despite Mccaffrey’s drawbacks as a running back he has used his strengths to become one of the better running backs in the league. At the moment you barely hear his name come up when discussing top 5 running backs in the league but his time is near. Not only has he improved running in between the tackle but his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield has mad defenses stay honest because they do not know if the Panthers are going to run or pass with him in the game. When he came into the league he was probably a better receiver than he was a running back. At this point in his career he is equally dangerous as both a runner and receiver. He has turned into a Julian Edelman level receiver as well as a good enough runner to be considered in the same category as a Kerryon Johnson. The total package of Mccaffrey is something the NFL has rarely seen which makes him the NFL’s unicorn.