Cameron Artis-Payne

Artis-Payne played a career-high 15 games last year but spent most of his time on special teams, seeing only 37 snaps on offense and gaining nearly half his rushing yards on a single 43-yard run against the Dolphins in Week 10. A 2015 fifth-round pick, Artis-Payne won't wow anyone with his foot speed or elusiveness, but he has shown some ability as a downhill, between-the-tackles runner who can lower his helmet and gain yards after contact. That could make him a goal-line weapon and solid backfield partner for pass-catching wizard Christian McCaffrey, but even with Jonathan Stewart now in another uniform, Artis-Payne's role doesn't seem likely to increase after the Panthers picked up C.J. Anderson in the offseason. Artis-Payne likely is headed for another season covering kicks and waiting for an injury to open a spot for him in the offense, unless he manages to significantly outperform Anderson during training camp and the preseason.

A fifth-round pick two years ago, Artis-Payne has made just 10 appearances as a pro. Although only three of those came last season, all of them were starts, and he commendably rushed 36 times for 144 yards and two touchdowns. Artis-Payne got those opportunities while Jonathan Stewart was injured, but when the veteran is healthy, coach Ron Rivera has revealed that Artis-Payne's skill set is too similar for him to be active. Regardless of that logic, Artis-Payne could find himself in an even smaller role this year, as the Panthers opted to draft running back Christian McCaffrey in the first round and utility threat Curtis Samuel, who played tailback part-time in college, in the second. With Stewart still around as well, Artis-Payne may have to battle with Fozzy Whittaker for a roster spot.

Artis-Payne showed up on the wires in April, landing a speeding ticket for allegedly traveling 102 mph in a 65 mph zone. It’s a shame we never saw that gear during the regular season — including the playoffs, Payne averaged less than four yards per rush, and he was scarcely used as a receiver. Turtle in the regular season, hare in the spring. If something’s going to happen for Artis-Payne in the pros, it needs to develop quickly. Although he’s entering his second year as a pro, he turned 26 in June. But he made the profile cut for us because he’s still the presumed backup in a good offense, and Jonathan Stewart can’t be expected to stay healthy for a full season. Perhaps the pro game will slow down for Artis-Payne during his second pass through the league.

Selected in the fifth round of this year’s draft, Artis-Payne was named to the All-SEC team following his only year as Auburn’s running back last season. That accomplishment coincided with him tallying 1,608 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns for the Tigers. Now, as the 5-10, 212 pound tailback transitions to the NFL, Artis-Payne is tasked with adjusting from Auburn’s spread offense to the Panthers’ conventional pro-style. With 4.53 speed in the 40-yard dash, Artis-Payne boasts enticing downhill running ability to develop behind starter Jonathan Stewart. Additionally, with DeAngelo Williams out of the picture, the Carolina’s No. 2 running back position is seemingly up for grabs between him, Fozzy Whittaker, and Jordan Todman. As a result, the rookie’s level of progress during the preseason should indicate where his fantasy value ultimately sits beginning the upcoming campaign, but his potential is worth monitoring.