Top 10 non-quarterback NFL MVP candidates for 2020

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 29: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers during the second half during their game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 22: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers runs the ball and is tackled by Clayton Geathers #26 of the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

3. RB Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers

He came into the league with a few questions on whether he could be as effective in the pros as he was in college. Those doubts by some certainly didn’t pertain to the Carolina Panthers, who off a 6-10 showing in 2016 owned the eighth overall pick in the draft and used it on versatile Stanford University standout Christian McCaffrey.

As a rookie, he was used in various capacities, both on offense and special teams. He appeared in all 16 games and made 10 starts. His total combined yards equaled 1,306 yards and he was most effective as a pass-catchers, totaling 80 receptions for 651 yards and five scores. But it’s been a far different story these past two seasons, which has seen McCaffrey in the opening lineup for all 32 contests.

The combined numbers the past two years are an impressive 4,357 total yards from scrimmage and 32 trips to the end zone. This past season, he was third in the AP voting for NFL Offensive Player of the Year (via Paul Kasabian of Bleacher Report) after leading the league in yards from scrimmage (2,392) and tying for the NFL lead in total touchdowns (19) while setting a new NFL record for receptions by a running back (116). Under new head coach Matt Rhule, it’s hard to believe he’s not in for another big season.

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