Panthers’ RB duo looks dangerous

By Connor Byrne  |   Friday, May 05, 2006  |  Comments( 2 )

Carolina Panthers
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In last weekend's NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers selected former University of Memphis star running back DeAngelo Williams with the 27th overall pick. For many, it was a shock that Williams, one of the most talented players in the draft, fell that far. It was obviously a surprise to the Panthers as well, as they ran the card up to the draft podium in less than two minutes.

During his career at Memphis, Williams earned a reputation as one of the nation's most complete running backs, as he has shown the keen ability to take over a game as a runner and receiver, and make a solid impact as a backfield blocker. Undoubtedly, Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme will love to have the three-dimensional Williams accompanying him in the backfield.

The Panthers' drafting of Williams gives them even more depth at the running back position, where they possess an embarrassment of riches. DeShaun Foster, Nick Goings and Eric Shelton rounded out the Panthers' top three backs before Williams' arrival, but that depth chart will obviously have to be restructured. Foster will likely remain the starter into the start of next season, but he may eventually lose it to Williams. Goings will become the third wheel/special-teamer, while the 245-pound Shelton will be offensive coordinator Dan Henning's focus down by the goal-line, almost like a poor man's Jerome Bettis.

Foster signed a three-year, $14 million contract to stay with the Panthers last month, so he can't be thrilled with the team's newest pick. However, the 26-year-old likely realizes that he'll need to prove he can be durable enough to last an entire season. In last year's campaign Foster appeared in 15 games, but he only started in five. His 205 carries weren't a full season's load for a starting back, so it's hard to determine whether he has the ability to stay healthy through a season of over 300 carries. Foster won't have to worry about that, though, since he'll stay around the 200-carry mark with Williams now on the depth chart.

With Williams' addition, the Carolina Panthers' could suddenly have one of the better running back tandems in the NFL. Foster, the current No. 1, has good size at 6'0", 222 pounds, while Williams stands 5'9" and weighs in at 214 pounds. Thus, both are similar in weight, but Foster has more of an ability to bruise the opposition because of his larger frame. Because of that, the Panthers will have somewhat of a coveted "Thunder and Lighting" running back combo on their hands, which most teams would love to have but can rarely achieve.

--Connor Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com.
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