The Carolina Panthers addressed the running back position during the NFL Draft, selecting Florida's Jordan Scarlett in the fifth round. But they still had the phones lined up right afterwards, and were able to reach a deal with another young rusher, undrafted rookie Elijah Holyfield.
Holyfield is the son of boxing legend Evander Holyfield, and attended the University of Georgia.
UDFA news: The #Panthers are signing FA #Georgia RB Elijah Holyfield, source said. The son of Evander.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 27, 2019
Holyfield's draft stock plummeted after he showcased less than ideal speed at the NFL Combine, posting an abysmal 4.78 40-yard dash, and then following it up with an even worse showing at Georgia's Pro Day.
Still, he was effective in the backfield in college, rushing for 1,018 yards and 7 touchdowns as a junior in 2018. He's next to invisible in the aerial attack however, as he only recorded 5 receptions for 40 yards last season.
Top undrafted offensive skill guys:
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 27, 2019
QB - Brett Rypien, Tyree Jackson, Jordan Ta'amu, Kyle Shurmur
RB - Eli Holyfield, James Williams, Devine Ozigbo, Alex Barnes, LJ Scott
WR - Emanuel Hall, Antoine Wesley, Anthony Johnson, Greg Dortch, LJ Humphrey
TE - Keenen Brown
While his talent doesn't necessarily jump off the page when you examine the stat-sheet, Holyfield is by no means an unskilled runner, and will be looking to prove that when he heads to camp in Carolina.