Three things that Carolina Panthers tight end Ian Thomas must do better if he is going to fill the void left by Greg Olsen.
We now find ourselves just 80 days away from the Carolina Panthers making a return to the field. It promises to be a wild ride for the team’s fanbase after so much change this offseason. So just strap yourselves in and try to enjoy the ride.
One of the key departures for the Carolina Panthers during free agency was prolific tight end Greg Olsen. The veteran opted to take his chances elsewhere and signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks that included a $3.75 million signing bonus and $5.5 million guaranteed.
Few would deny that Olsen has earned the right to end his career with a shot at winning the Super Bowl. And this is something that was not going to happen with the Panthers next season.
This has left the organization all-in on Ian Thomas stepping in and filling the void left by Olsen. The player has shown glimpses of his potential during his time in Carolina. And this was especially evident in 2018 when their No. 1 option was forced to miss time through injury.
There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of real depth behind Thomas on the depth chart. This can give him great confidence knowing that the coaching staff has so much faith in him delivering the goods. But it also represents a potential problem for the Panthers if he does not reach expectations.
We picked out three things that Thomas must do better in order to make the most out of his starting chance in 2020.
Things Ian Thomas must do better for the Carolina Panthers: Dropped passes
If Ian Thomas wants to make a real go on his opportunity as the No. 1 tight end option with the Carolina Panthers going forward. Then he must improve on his pass-catching in crucial situations.
This is an element of his game that has come in for criticism since he arrived in the NFL. And this was evident once again in 2019 with ten percent of catchable balls thrown his way hitting the field.
Thomas also encountered a 6.1 percent drop pass percentage in his rookie season. And this has the scope to cause problems given the increase in targets the player is set to get in Joe Brady’s high-octane scheme.
The former fourth-round pick out of Indiana is heading into his third year in the NFL. And this is where rookie players at the position do tend to break out. There is nothing to suggest that Thomas cannot do the same. But he will need to make sure he becomes a reliable target across the middle and in the red zone.
Greg Olsen did this with aplomb during his time with the Panthers. And although it might be asking too much of Thomas to replicate this sort of production initially. He will be expected to make a similar contribution with more starting experience under his belt.
Things Ian Thomas must do better for the Carolina Panthers: Create separation
Another thing that would be high on the list of things that Ian Thomas must do better in 2020 is creating separation. The tight has the size and range to be a nightmare for opposing defenders to cover. But it is an area where he regressed slightly during his sophomore campaign.
Thomas is an impressive athlete who has shown willingness to improve his route running. And if this element can become more polished during what little time the Panthers have together in training camp. Then head coach Matt Rhule is going to possess a player who can make a real difference.
The third-year-pro will no doubt benefit enormously not only from Joe Brady’s scheme. But also the other weapons that currently ply their trade in Carolina. Although questions still remain about their offensive line, this is an offense that looks loaded with playmakers that will take attention away from what Thomas can bring to the table.
Opposing defenses might have no other alternative other than to leave Thomas one-on-one for a consistent period of time. So it is vital that the player can create the sort of separation needed to make a difference.
At 6-foot-3, Thomas is an imposing figure and the perfect size for an athletic tight end. He will be given every opportunity to shine now he finally has the No. 1 spot. But it will be up to the player himself to deliver.
Things Ian Thomas must do better for the Carolina Panthers: Blocking
It’s easy to forget in today’s NFL just what an important role a tight end can play blocking. This was their primary focus once upon a time. But with the current pass-happy nature of offenses across the league. It is a key component that often gets overlooked.
If Ian Thomas is going to see the majority of snaps at the position for the Carolina Panthers. Then his blocking will need to come on a great deal in a short space of time.
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How he gets on during running downs on the edge could have substantial ramifications on Christian McCaffrey’s production, with the offensive line coming into the campaign with increasing uncertainty regarding their ability to come together as a unit.
Thomas has good size and strength to make a valuable contribution. His footwork is another encouraging sign. But his hand placement during blocking schemes does need some work and could lead to trouble if things down start trending on an upward curve.
The Panthers will throw the ball a lot more this season with Joe Brady running things and a more reliable quarterback under center in Teddy Bridgewater. However, this offense will run through their All-Pro McCaffrey. And Thomas must make a considerable impression making holes for the best dual-threat weapon in the NFL.
Carolina does have Chris Manhertz to pick up some of the slack in this regard. But it remains to be seen just how much game time he will see next season.