The running back position has been devalued in recent seasons, illustrated by the fact that no RBs went in the first round of the NFL Draft between Mark Ingram in 2011 and Todd Gurley in 2015. Despite the decreasing value of RBs around the league, the Panthers have frequently devoted a lot of resources into the position, having two of the top ten RBs in terms of cap hit this past season. One of those, two DeAgnelo Williams, has departed and found a new home in Pittsburgh. Let's see how the Panthers RB depth looks in his absence.
Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Stewart comes into camp as the unquestioned top dog with his longtime running mate no longer in the picture. JStew will look to build off a strong finish to his 2014 campaign. After the Panthers week 12 bye, Stewart was given the opportunity to be more of a feature back. He certainly didn't disappoint, racking up 679 yards and a couple touchdowns on 128 carries in his final seven games, including the postseason. That extrapolates to a 1,552 yard season with a 5.03 yard per carry average. The Panthers will obviously be elated if he can carry that success over to 2015.
Stewart has the talent to be one of the better backs in the league if he stays healthy. This season, he finally comes into camp 100% healthy after a strong season. If he's healthy, JStew is starting week 1.
Chance of starting: 100%
Fozzy Whittaker
Whittaker was picked up on July 27th after Panthers rookie RB Tyler Gaffney was injured in practice. The undrafted back out of Texas performed admirably when called upon, which has put him in a position where the #2 RB position is his to lose. Performing in spot duty, the Texas product averaged 4.5 yards per carry with his 32 regular season attempts, a very respectable number from a back up. Whittaker also showed flashes in the screen game, scoring 2 touchdowns and having half of his 6 receptions go for more than 20 yards.
Despite the decent showing in a reserve role, Whittaker has never shown the ability to be the lead back. Even dating back to his days at Texas, Fozzy never received extended time as a feature back. If Stewart were to go down (Knock on all the wood), it seems unlikely that Whittaker would be the back to step in as the #1. His skill set is better suited for a change of pace back, so that's likely that that's where he'll stay.
Chance of making the roster: 90%
Cameron Artis-Payne
The Panthers selected Artis-Payne out of Auburn with one of their 5th round compensatory picks. The 25 year old comes off an impressive season where he lead the SEC in rushing, amassing 1608 yards and 13 touchdowns and 303 carries. Despite his age, Artis-Payne joins the Carolina Panthers with little tread off his tires, receiving significant playing time in just one season at the Division 1 level. He is a patient runner with decent burst, and, despite not having any single trait that sets him apart, should be ready to step in immediately and contribute.
However, the former Tiger will likely spend more time watching games than playing them, especially early in the season. Jonathan Stewart has a firm grasp on the starting spot, and Fozzy Whittaker will likely maintain his role as the chang-of-pace back. But if Stewart were to go down to injury, Artis-Payne would seem to be the next in line to take the bulk of the carries, with Whittaker staying as the change-of-pace back. The Panthers didn't select him 138th in draft to cut him, so CAP is on the inside track to make the team.
Chance of making the roster: 90%
Jordan Todman
The Panthers signed former Jaguar Jordan Todman to a one year, unguaranteed deal back on March 30th. The former UConn Husky has yet to impress as a RB in his three years in the league. His 2014 stats of 186 yards on 32 carries may look impressive at first glance, it should be noted that exactly one third of his rushing yards last season came on a single 64 yard carry. Outside of that single touchdown tote, Todman averaged a respectable, yet unspectacular, 4 yards per carry. Todman also possesses decent pass catching ability, but it isn't enough to be the sole reason he makes the roster.
Todman's contract is unguaranteed outside of a $20,000 signing bonus. The Panthers have next to nothing tied to him, and his skill set can be replicated by other players on the roster. The 25 year old's spot on the team is far from assured, so he'll have to impress in camp and in the preseason to avoid falling down the depth chart and possibly off the team.
Chance of making the roster: 60%
Brandon Wegher
The Panthers signed rookie Brandon Wegher upon the completion of the NFL draft, and he immediately began receiving hype as a diamond in the rough. Those words weren't tossed around without reason. Wegher is coming off an incredible season for Morningside of the NAIA, rushing for a staggering 2,610 yards and averaging 200 rushing yards per game. A few years prior, he burst on to the scene at the University of Iowa, rushing for 641 yards and a freshman record 8 touchdowns in his first and only season at the school.
While his limited resume is very impressive, one can't overlook the 24 year old's past. After his one season at Iowa, Wegher left the team for "personal reasons" and transferred to Oklahoma, where he was deemed ineligible. Years of academic and legal issues kept him out of the game until 2013, when he finally joined the program at Morningside. If Wegher has put all those issues behind him, he has the talent to push for a roster spot. However, even if he doesn't make the team, he is likely a top candidate for a spot on the practice squad.
Chance of making the roster: 40%
Mike Tolbert
Human bowling ball Mike Tolbert is entering his fourth season in Carolina after taking a pay cut to come home to Carolina. The 29 year old is coming off a rough season, playing in only half the team's games and mustering only 2.1 yards per carry while failing to find the end zone in the regular season. On the final year of his deal, the twenty nine year old will look to have a bounce back season to bump up his stock. The Coastal Carolina product has shown tremendous versatility during his time with Carolina, performing the roles of short yardage back, 3rd down back, and lead blocker. This versatility is what will in all likelihood keep him on the roster for this season at the very least.
Chance of making the roster: 98%
Richie Brockel
Every year fans wonder if Brockel is worthy of a roster spot, and every year Brockel ends up in the final 53. He plays a subtle but important role on the team. He plays as a FB and HB on offense while being one of the team's more important special teams players, and he did this that one time. While he may never do much to wow anyone, he seems to be a coaches' favorite and important part of the team.
Chance of making the roster: 75%