Fozzy Whittaker

After averaging 4.5 yards per carry and totaling 42 receptions as the Panthers' change-of-pace tailback the past three seasons, Whittaker's role this term could be significantly downsized due to the first-round selection of Christian McCaffrey and second-round choice of utility weapon Curtis Samuel. Those similarly skilled additions come while veteran Jonathan Stewart remains in tow, remedying Carolina's former shortage of quality ball-carrying options. Although Whittaker's career-high 491 offensive yards last season and return ability could help him edge out Cameron Artis-Payne for third-string tailback duties, he seems to be sliding back to the periphery of the Panthers' plans.

Whittaker has started one game in both of the past two seasons due to injuries in the Panthers’ backfield, but is otherwise a sparingly used change-of-pace runner. Last season, Whittaker totaled 108 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries, and caught 12 passes for 64 yards. Also occasionally used as a kickoff returner, Whittaker gives the Panthers good depth behind starter Jonathan Stewart, bruiser Mike Tolbert and rising second-year tailback Cameron Artis-Payne.

Whittaker earned a 53-man roster spot with the Panthers as an undrafted free agent following a strong preseason showing last year. Although he started off as mainly a special teams player, Carolina’s numerous injuries at running back pushed Whittaker up the depth chart over the course of the season. In limited action, Whittaker was handed 32 carries for 145 rushing yards and one touchdown. The nifty change-of-pace option also supplied five catches for 60 yards and another score in the regular season, breaking free for an additional 39-yard touchdown reception in the Panthers’ playoff victory. Overall, Whittaker showed good burst as a reserve tailback and could enjoy Carolina’s No. 2 role this season in wake of the Panthers releasing long-time running back DeAngelo Williams in the offseason. In order to do so, Whittaker will have to separate himself from rookie fifth-rounder Cameron Artis-Payne and free agent signing Jordan Todman, but his familiarity with the Panthers’ scheme makes him the favorite to back up Jonathan Stewart at the moment.

Whittaker will look to stick as a depth back/returner.

Whittaker is trying to land a role as a backup tailback in San Diego. While Danny Woodhead and Ronnie Brown are almost certainly assured roster spots, Whittaker could earn a spot on the team with a good preseason.