Carolina Panthers 3 strongest positions heading into 2018

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CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 24: Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers warms up for their game against the New England Patriots at Bank of America Stadium on August 24, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Tight end

Tight end is by far the deepest position on the team. You could make an argument that wide receiver is the deepest group, but since I broke it down between left and right wide receiver, the tight end group is stronger than any of those individually.

Greg Olsen is looking to have a bounce-back year after a rough 2017 campaign. When he is healthy, he is one of the best tight ends in football. As one of Cam Newton’s main weapons over the years, he should be in line for a big season in 2018. He has proven to be one of the top tight ends in the league over the past couple of years. It’s more a question of whether of not his body will allow him to continue to perform at a high level.

Chris Manhertz is looking to have a breakout campaign after being sidelined by injuries for most of training camp. He has not going to be the type to put up big numbers. However, his size and the fact that he has offensive coordinator Norv Turner at his side should help. Particularly in the red zone, he should cause defenses fits. Especially if the Carolina Panthers decide to employ two-tight end sets, he should be able to put up big numbers,

Ian Thomas certainly has a great collegiate resume on his hands (quite literally). The Maryland native was drafted in the fourth round (pick No. 101) out of Indiana in April’s draft, and he hopes to take his collegiate success to the National Football League ranks. He was a late bloomer to the collegiate ranks, and he had a breakout senior season in 2017. Catching 25 passes for 376 yards and five touchdowns, he was invited to the 2018 Senior Bowl for his efforts. After having a strong preseason Thomas showed that in time, he may be Greg Olsen’s successor. For now, he appears to be a very valuable third option.

Due to the offense’s frequency to use tight ends as well as what we know about Turner’s love for tight ends, this group has a chance to put up big numbers this season. Because of the size and talent, they are the deepest position group this year after struggling with depth in prior years.

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