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2017 NFL Draft: Draft Grades for Each First-Round Selection

By Dan Schmelzer

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Mitchell Trubisky (North Carolina) is selected as the number 2 overall pick to the Chicago Bears in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Mitchell Trubisky (North Carolina) is selected as the number 2 overall pick to the Chicago Bears in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Christian McCaffrey
Nov 12, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) celebrates his touchdown in the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

A-. . Running Back. Carolina Panthers. CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY

The worst kept secret heading into the 2017 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers had been commonly connected to Christian McCaffrey in recent weeks. Sure enough, on draft night, McCaffrey ended up being the guy.

With what was left on the board, it is hard to find a better selection for the Panthers here. Offensive coordinator Mike Shula undoubtedly knows how to get the most out of his running backs. Shula is a creative coach who is going to use McCaffrey in a variety of ways. Carolina is a perfect situation for McCaffrey to land in.

He will be involved in the running game, being a speed compliment to the power of Jonathan Stewart and Cam Newton. However, his receiving skills out of the backfield are what make him a real top-ten talent. McCaffrey is so quick and athletic making him an absolute nightmare to defend in the open field.

He has soft hands and cannot be defended by a linebacker. Shula will use McCaffrey in a variety of ways. Expect to see him plenty at running back, but he could play slot receiver as well. McCaffrey to the Panthers is an absolutely perfect fit and one of my favorite selections in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

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