CHARLOTTE – For the last few years, ESPN's Bill Barnwell has ranked the groups of offensive weapons for all 32 NFL teams. After the Panthers came in at No. 17 in 2018 and No. 22 last year, Barnwell moved Carolina to No. 5 heading into the 2020 season, behind only the Chiefs, Browns, Cowboys, and Buccaneers.
Barnwell cites running back Christian McCaffrey as the biggest reason for the top-five appearance.
"It's hard for a running back to be more productive than Christian McCaffrey, who finished with the third-most yards from scrimmage (2,392) in NFL history," Barnwell writes.
"McCaffrey scored 19 touchdowns, was efficient as a runner and receiver, absorbed huge volume and only fumbled once on 403 touches. … It's difficult to imagine McCaffrey being quite as productive in 2020, but even 80% of his 2019 season would make him one of the NFL's best backs."
Barnwell also feels DJ Moore may not be getting enough respect after hauling in 87 receptions for 1,175 yards with four touchdowns in his second pro season.
"Moore could be a top-10 receiver with better quarterback play from Teddy Bridgewater this season," Barnwell writes.
Barnwell adds that wide receiver Robby Anderson should also benefit from improved quarterback play after spending his first four seasons with the Jets. Barnwell then notes tight end Ian Thomas is potentially the Panthers' "biggest question" in his first season as a full-time starter.o
Barnwell bases his rankings only on skill positions, which means he does not include the quarterback or offensive line in his valuation. He also does not factor in a long-term outlook and places more weight on top-tier talent and wide receivers than other positions.
You can check out Barnwell's full rankings here.
A first-round pick in 2017, McCaffrey has already set a number of franchise records as he signs a contract extension through 2025 with the Panthers.
Christian McCaffrey runs for a touchdown during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, December 16, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panther Christian McCaffrey (22) scores against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of American Stadium on Sunday, November 5, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Christian McCaffrey breaks a tackle against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 23, 2018.
Carolina Panthers against the Saints on Monday Night Football on Monday, December 17, 2018.
Christian McCaffrey breaks free for a run against Cleveland at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, December 9, 2018.
Christian McCaffrey runs for a touchdown during the game against the Giants on Sun., Oct. 7, 2018.
Christian McCaffrey celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Cleveland at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, December 9, 2018.
Christian McCaffrey stiff-arms a defender against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, December 23, 2018.
Christian McCaffrey dives toward the pylon during a game against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
Christian McCaffrey scores a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Sunday, December 3, 2017 in New Orleans, LA.
Christian McCaffrey hurdles a defender during a game against the Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday, December 2, 2018.
Carolina Panthers against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 25, 2018.
Carolina Panthers against the Seattle Seahawks at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, November 25, 2018.
Carolina Panthers week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, October 28, 2018.
Christian McCaffrey during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 23, 2018.
Christian McCaffrey runs for a touchdown during a game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football at Bank of America Stadium on Monday, November 13, 2017.
Christian McCaffrey during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Carolina Panther Christian McCaffrey (22) scores a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of American Stadium on Thursday, October 12, 2017 in Charlotte, NC.
Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, Nov 4, 2018.
Christian McCaffrey carries the football against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday, November 18, 2018.
Christian McCaffrey during a game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football at Bank of America Stadium on Monday, November 13, 2017.
Christian McCaffrey during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Bank of America Stadium on Sunday, September 23, 2018.
Christian McCaffrey celebrates a touchdown during the Panthers game against the Lions on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2017.
Christian McCaffrey carries the football during the Panthers game against the Bills on Sunday, Sep. 16, 2017.
Christian McCaffrey carries the football during the Panthers game against the 49ers on Sunday, Sep. 10, 2017.
