Panthers No. 85: Giovanni Ricci could be a diamond in the rough

Could undrafted tight end Giovanni Ricci be a diamond in the rough for the Carolina Panthers?

We are 85 days away from the long-awaited season opener for the Carolina Panthers. There is set to be plenty more twists and turns to one of the most eventful offseasons in recent memory for the franchise.

What happens in the next few weeks will go a long way to determining just how well the Carolina Panthers are going to do in 2020. This is going to be a steep learning curve for coaching staff and players alike. And any success that comes their way will bode very well for their future ambitions.

Counting our series looking at jersey numbers ahead of the new season, we now turn our attention to Carolina’s No. 85. Giovanni Ricci is a tight end with some intriguing skills at his disposal. And he was quickly snapped up by the Panthers once the final name of the 2020 NFL Draft had been called.

The player will now look to earn a roster spot at the tight end spot, which is devoid of any real depth behind No. 1 option Ian Thomas. Ricci has four years of solid college experience under his belt. And with a little more refinement to his play. There is every chance he can emerge as a real diamond in the rough.

Although Ricci has plenty of experience. He is a little raw when it comes to his craft. The player does need to improve his blocking at the next level. And there are questions surrounding his ability to create separation against more talented opposition.

He won’t get much of a chance to prove his worth during a shortened offseason. Ricci must make an impression both in camp and whatever targets come his way during preseason games. Making the 53-man roster is the hardest part for an undrafted player. But if he can manage to achieve this, then it should come with some opportunities.

How could the Carolina Panthers use Giovanni Ricci?

New offensive coordinator Joe Brady is building a strong reputation within the game. He led LSU’s passing attack to arguably college football’s greatest ever season in 2019. And there is plenty of tools for him to work with once he finally gets down to business during training camp with the Carolina Panthers.

More from Cat Crave

• Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
• 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
• Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
• How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
• 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

Ricci showed flashes of potential in the passing game during his time with Western Michigan. This saw the player secure 98 receptions for 1,114 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. His mobility in tight areas made him a formidable red zone target. And this is something that can give the Panthers coaching staff some cause for encouragement.

While it might be expecting too much for Ricci to slot in and play right away. But if he can sneak onto the roster it will give him a chance to learn his craft with veteran players in a professional environment. And this will give his prospects of forging a career in the NFL the world of good.

There is even the chance that Ricci can be used in double tight end sets if the opportunity arises. The player was reportedly in high demand on the undrafted free agent market. So putting him on the practice squad before he gets snapped up might not be a viable alternative.

As is the case with most rookies that come in with plenty to prove, it could go either way with Ricci. The NFL is all about taking a chance when it is presented. And the incoming prospect must now let his actions do the talking with a huge chip on his shoulder.