The Panthers may seem set at the running back position with Christian McCaffrey taking the lion’s share of snaps. However, there’s a new regime running things (at least the coaching staff) and they’ll have different ideas about how to split the workload at this spot.
With that in mind, Carolina fans shouldn’t be surprised if they pick a running back at some point in the NFL draft later this month. They’re doing their due diligence, at least. According to a report by Aaron Wilson at the Houston Chronicle, they have a video conference meeting set with TCU running back Sewo Olonilua.
TCU RB @SOlonilua33 also has a video conference with the Carolina Panthers
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 7, 2020
The first thing to know about Olonilua is that he’s much bigger than the average pro running back, weighing in at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds. That’s pretty much the same size as Derrick Henry, who has established himself as the best power runner in the post-prime Marshawn Lynch era.
In college, Olonilua put that bulk to good use, totaling 1,624 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 348 carries. Let’s take a look at his tape.
Olonilua vs. Purdue
Olonilua vs. West Virginia
Olonilua vs. Cal
Olonilua vs. Ohio State
As you might expect, Olonilua is effective as a short-yardage specialist and he’s not much of a receiving threat. He is projected to be a late Day 3 pick or UDFA.
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