Panthers depth chart: Tight end hopes pinned on Ian Thomas

The projected backups

There is little behind the Carolina Panthers depth chart that holds out encouraging hope of making an impression in 2020. The organization has gambled big on Ian Thomas carrying the load and there is little behind him in the way of options.

Chris Manhertz has been a backup option at best over the last four seasons. During this time he has accumulated just 90 receiving yards including one catch for 11 in 2019. Whether he will be given a more prominent role with the loss of Greg Olsen in free agency seems unlikely. But it would be prudent for the coaching staff to give the player a shot of impressing during training camp.

Temmarick Hemingway is another that will get a chance to earn a roster spot in 2020. But he boasts little professional experience and it would be a huge surprise if the player managed to stake a claim for some targets from new Panthers quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Matt Rhule decided to bring in Colin Thompson, who is another with college connections. The free-agent recruit played under the head coach at Temple. However, he has yet to make a 53-man roster despite being 26-years-old and he looks up against it given the prospect of a reduced camp due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Although Carolina did not draft a tight end with any of their picks. They did manage to pick up two undrafted free agents who might be on the Panthers depth chart at the position in week one.

Cam Sutton and Giovanni Ricci both have some potential, although they appear a little raw. They are good development projects that might be wor3th sticking around if they show something to the coaching staff in the coming weeks.