What are some of the big questions facing the Carolina Panthers from the tight end position during training camp and the 2020 season?
The Carolina Panthers have officially reported for duty for a training camp that looks completely different in the current climate. There is plenty riding on the next few weeks for some roster members looking to find their way. And it will be interesting to see how each individual adjusts to a socially distanced way of working.
New head coach Matt Rhule has got plenty on his plate in his bid to get the Carolina Panthers back to prominence. Having no preseason games to call upon is going to come with its own set of complications. And he will need to trust his coaching staff’s opinions enough to form a competitive roster based on what they see during team drills. But whether the former Baylor man chooses to go with those with more experience over youth remains to be seen.
The Panthers seem to have plenty of weapons on offense for new coordinator Joe Brady to utilize. If quarterback Teddy Bridgewater gets the necessary protection to make good choices in the pocket, then there is real potential for them to put up some significant points during the campaign.
They also have the benefit of an All-Pro running back in Christian McCaffrey. The new face of the franchise is the best dual-threat player in the NFL. And his presence in the backfield should open up plenty of space for others to work.
One area with some uncertainty is at tight end. Carolina no longer has Greg Olsen on the roster after he opted for a shot at a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. So how others perform in his absence will go a long way to determining their fortunes.
Here are three big questions facing the tight end group during camp and the season ahead in Carolina.
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.
Carolina Panthers Question No. 2: Who is the TE2 option?
The depth at tight end behind Ian Thomas is thin, to say the least. There doesn’t appear to be any sort of notable contributor if things don’t turn out as expected with their No. 1 option. And we will probably find out more about who can secure the TE2 position for the Carolina Panthers during training camp.
Chris Manhertz might be the favorite going in. But he has always been seen more as a blocking tight end that might actually come in handy from a protection perspective for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and Christian McCaffrey.
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Manhertz is a popular member of the locker room who is never found wanting for effort. But it is important that the Panthers play to his strengths rather than asking the player to do things he isn’t particularly good at.
There is plenty of intrigue surrounding the undrafted free-agent duo of Giovanni Ricci and Cam Sutton. But putting too much on their shoulders early on would have a detrimental impact. And they might not even do enough to make the 53-man roster.
They also have unproven players such as Temarrick Hemingway and Colin Thompson fighting for recognition during camp. But they are devoid of any real experience in the NFL.
This leaves more questions than answers regarding the options available outside of Thomas. And the next few weeks will be telling for all involved.
Carolina Panthers Question No. 3: Is another veteran presence needed?
If the Carolina Panthers coaching staff doesn’t like what it sees from the tight end position during the initial stages of training camp. Then it might be worth exploring the free-agent market for another veteran who can come in and immediately contribute.
This is something of a last resort for any NFL team. But the Panthers do have around $10 million in cap space remaining after signing all of their 2020 draft class.
Should they opt to go in this direction, there are plenty of players currently without a team that warrants consideration. Jordan Reed suffered his fair share of concussion problems during his time with the Washington Football Team. But he has now been cleared to play and brings a tremendous amount to the table.
The likes of Vernon Davis and Lance Kendricks could fill a gap in the short-term. Both possess a proven track record of success in the NFL. And they would also bring a leadership element that the Panthers lost plenty of this offseason.
Charles Clay is another name that stands out on the free-agent market. And he is a reliable catching presence that has made his presence felt throughout a standout career.
One expects that Carolina will give their current options a chance to impress. But if they fail to show enough, then it could force their hand and go in a different direction.