Prediction No. 2: Ian Thomas will score six touchdowns for the Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have bet big on tight end Ian Thomas delivering on his enormous promise in 2020. The team parted ways with prolific veteran Greg Olsen in free agency. And they opted not to bring in anyone capable of filling a starting role.
This puts expectations squarely on the shoulders of Thomas, who was used sparingly last season. However, he showed glimpses of promise in Olsen’s absence during his rookie campaign. And this can give Carolina great encouragement as he looks to get a significant increase in playing time.
There is plenty to like about the skills that Thomas brings to the table. He has everything one looks for in a pass-catching tight end. And although he had trouble holding onto the ball in 2019. This is something that can be rectified with more time to adjust to on-field situations.
Thomas should also have plenty of space to work in due to the number of other weapons that Joe Brady has at his disposal. The likes of Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, and Robby Anderson will command far more interest. So this is something else the player can use to his advantage.
Olsen never scored more than seven touchdowns in one season with the Panthers. This is something Thomas can realistically target from his first season as a prolonged starter.
Thomas will never get a better opportunity to make the starting spot his own. What comes next will be up to the player.