Carolina Panthers: Three Ian Thomas facts to put fans' minds at ease

Carolina Panthers: Three Ian Thomas facts to put fans’ minds at ease

CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 17: Ian Thomas #80 of the Carolina Panthers scores a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in the second quarter during the game at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 17: Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers reacts after a play against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

High Praise

The great Olsen himself has praised the rookie tight end – before the injury. Thomas impressed enough in Spartanburg at training camp that the Panthers veteran offered the following comments about his understudy.

"“Ian has all the traits to be a true NFL tight end. He’s strong enough. He can engage at the line of scrimmage. He’s smooth. He’s faster than you think he is. He catches the ball well. So I think Ian has a chance to have all the traits to be a complete guy.”"

High praise from one of the best in the business. At 6-foot-3, 260 pounds, Thomas has the size to be a formidable target in the red zone for Newton and speed to exploit defenses in all areas of the field.

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