Ron Rivera needed a running back, desperately.
In Super Bowl 50 earlier this year, the Panthers' offense was utterly dominated by the Broncos' defense, to the point of total humiliation.
Most analysts blamed the Panthers' offensive line for failing to protect the pocket, while others questioned quarterback Cam Newton's decision-making at key moments.
But as the head coach, Rivera saw things differently. He knew they couldn't keep relying on Newton's legs—not only because of Robert Griffin III's downfall as a cautionary tale, but also because the team's offense was overly dependent on Newton's read-option plays. Once opponents figured them out, the entire strategy could collapse.
What they needed was an elite running back to ease the pressure, shift the focus, and diversify their playbook.
Lance was a perfect fit.
The very factors that might hurt Lance's draft prospects were, in Rivera's eyes, advantages. Being Asian, only starting football in April, and having limited experience—all potential negatives in the eyes of scouts—became selling points for Rivera in convincing Panthers GM David Gettleman to draft a running back. Perhaps they could pick up a bargain in the sixth or seventh round, getting incredible value for a low draft pick.
They just had to seize the opportunity.
The only remaining question was whether this running back truly had potential.
Rivera trusted Nick Saban's coaching, but more importantly, he trusted Burns' eye for talent. If these two men believed in Lance's abilities, there was no way Lance would be the starting running back for the Crimson Tide without real talent.
Feeling a surge of excitement, Rivera grabbed the phone.
"Get me the scouting office."
Meanwhile...
In the Jacksonville Jaguars' general manager's office, David Caldwell was practically vibrating with excitement as he reviewed Lance's scouting report. The more he read, the more satisfied he became.
Knock knock.
The door opened, and in walked the team's head coach, Gus Bradley, wearing a serious expression. Seeing Caldwell's eager grin, Bradley felt a sense of foreboding.
Caldwell slid the report across the desk. "What do you think about drafting a running back next year?"
Bradley was momentarily stunned before a wave of excitement hit him. Was this really happening? For the past two years, Bradley had been emphasizing their need for a quality running back. But every year, other roster needs took precedence. The team had drafted a running back in the third round last year, only to cut him during training camp. Bradley was fed up with this cycle.
Now Caldwell was suggesting drafting a running back? And right before the new season started?
After the initial shock, Bradley became wary, choosing his words carefully. "I don't have a problem with that. Blake could definitely use some help."
Jacksonville's current quarterback, Blake Bortles, was the third overall pick in the 2014 draft. Now entering his third NFL season, Bortles had yet to deliver the kind of performance the team expected, showing little growth.
The Jaguars had consistently finished at the bottom of the standings, competing for the number one draft pick year after year. Last season, they posted a 5-11 record—absolutely dismal. Bradley had been racking his brain for ways to improve the team, but there's only so much you can do with a lackluster roster. His default expression wasn't a scowl, but he couldn't remember the last time he genuinely smiled.
Bortles' main problem was the overwhelming pressure in the passing game. With poor pocket protection and few reliable targets, every offensive drive fell squarely on his shoulders. If they could establish a solid running game, it would give the passing attack some breathing room, potentially improving the entire offense.
While the league had shifted toward a pass-heavy approach, Bradley firmly believed that without a strong running game, the passing game couldn't thrive. He constantly preached "balance between run and pass," but with no influence over roster decisions, it felt like empty talk.
Bradley had lost count of how many times he'd pushed for a running back. Now, watching Caldwell act as if this was some genius idea he'd just come up with, Bradley could only sigh internally.
But Bradley didn't care if Caldwell took all the credit, as long as the team got a decent running back.
He was tired of losing. Tired of being in the race for the top draft pick every year. He didn't set out to tank seasons, but every year he was dragged into that pit of despair.
And he knew, in the end, he'd be the one to take the fall for the Jaguars' ongoing disaster.
Damn it!
He'd had enough.
So, if things were going to improve, Bradley didn't mind if Caldwell basked in his own foolishness.
Calming himself, Bradley took a closer look at the scouting report.
It wasn't long, and there were plenty of gaps.
Still, Bradley read it carefully, his interest steadily growing. He became curious about this running back's game film. The stats certainly suggested dominance, but Bradley wanted to see how he dominated.
"How'd you find him?" Bradley asked.
Caldwell grinned. "Looks like you haven't read today's headlines. The NCAA season opener—it's the hottest topic in football right now. This kid is the Crimson Tide's running back."
Bradley's eyes lit up. "Saban!"
Caldwell nodded. "More importantly, he's Chinese."
Bradley blinked. So what?
Caldwell sighed, disappointed in Bradley's lack of vision. "The Chinese market."
Bradley: ... Could he curse out loud?
The Jaguars had been bottom-feeders for several seasons, with no improvement in sight. The roster was a mess, filled with aging veterans and aimless rookies. The few players with real ambition didn't want to stay in Jacksonville—it was a complete disaster.
And now, instead of focusing on building a competitive team, Caldwell was thinking about marketing and chasing a piece of the Chinese pie?
No wonder!
No wonder the league was pushing overseas expansion, with regular-season games in London, Munich, Mexico City, and Tottenham. The Jaguars had been the first to jump on board, signing contracts with the league for these international games!
Now Caldwell had his sights set on the world's biggest market.
Bradley felt a lump in his throat and nearly passed out.
But he kept his cool—
Maybe he and Caldwell had different agendas, but as long as the result was the same, that was all that mattered.
"Smart move," Bradley said, forcing a tight smile. Then he quickly changed the subject. "But if we're thinking about him, so are others. We need to act fast."
Caldwell's smug grin widened. "Of course. I've already called. Our scouts are on their way. We need to move quickly."
When Joshua Brand arrived at Bryant-Denny Stadium and looked around, he exhaled deeply.
Wasn't everyone supposed to be ignoring running backs? So what was with this crowd?
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Powerstones?
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