Christian McCaffrey drafted by Panthers as Cam Newton's new weapon

Cam Newton has a new weapon.

The Carolina Panthers selected former Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey with the No. 8 pick of the first round in Thursday's NFL draft.

The son of former Denver Broncos wide receiver Ed McCaffrey, the running back made his own legacy at Stanford by becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2015 and winning the Paul Hornung Award last year as the nation's most versatile player.

He had 3,622 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns in the last two seasons, adding 955 receiving yards and eight touchdown catches in that span. A standout returner, he also could carve out a role on special teams at the next level.

McCaffrey was the second running back selected behind LSU's Leonard Fournette, who went to the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 4 overall pick.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he wants Newton to run less often this season.

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