Carolina Panthers training camp: 3 questions at the TE position

Carolina Panthers Question No. 1: Can Ian Thomas deliver on his promise?

How much production the Carolina Panthers get from the tight end position in 2020 will fall on the shoulders of Ian Thomas. The player is entering a crucial third year as a professional. And he finally gets the keys to the kingdom after the organization and prolific veteran Greg Olsen went their separate ways.

This is an opportunity that Thomas simply cannot pass up. He has performed in flashes during his career in Carolina so far. But it is hard to deny that much more will be needed from a more prominent starting role.

Thomas has all the tools needed for a quality pass-catching tight end. The former Indiana standout is athletic enough to make a difference at the second level over intermediate routes. And the player also has the right sort of size and strength to become a force in the red zone.

He did have something of a problem securing the ball in 2019. And this is an area of his game that must improve if he wants to make the starting spot his own for the foreseeable future.

There doesn’t appear to be much depth behind him next season. So Thomas will get a prolonged chance to prove himself to a new coaching staff.

Thomas goes into 2020 as one of the Panthers’ primary breakout candidates. And if the 2018 fourth-round pick lives up to his billing, then it will be another massive plus for an offense that could be special.