CHARLOTTE – A day after drafting explosive running back Christian McCaffrey with the eighth overall pick, the Panthers added another versatile weapon early in the second round of the 2017 draft with Ohio State wide receiver Curtis Samuel.

The 5-foot-11, 196-pound speedster, taken 40th overall, produced at running back, wide receiver and H-back for the Buckeyes.

"They're going to use me primarily as a slot receiver – that's why they're bringing me in there. They feel like I can help the team a lot," Samuel said. "They told me we're going to do some of that too, but they got a great draft pick in Christian McCaffrey, who is a terrific player. I definitely like the way he plays. I'll be primarily in the slot, but sometimes we'll both be in the backfield with Cam (Newton). I feel like it's going to be great."

Samuel rushed for 771 yards and eight touchdowns on 97 carries as a junior last season. He also added 74 receptions for 865 yards and seven touchdowns, making him the only FBS player with 700-plus yards rushing and receiving in 2016.

He is the only player in Ohio State history to finish his career with 1,000-plus yards rushing and receiving.

"With Curtis (Samuel) we have 'oh my gosh' speed and he's really a talented kid," general manager Dave Gettleman said. "We feel we've really added an offensive playmaker with him.

"He's shown the ability catch the ball down the field, over his head and all that stuff. He's got really good quickness in and out of his routes, and he's got really good inside run skills. He's got the speed to cross formation, he's got the speed to go the distance."