Re-grading the Panthers 2018 NFL Draft class after three years
By Dean Jones
Ian Thomas – Carolina Panthers TE
Ian Thomas got his NFL career off to an impressive start. The fourth-round pick in 2018 showed flashes of brilliance in his bid to become the long-term successor to Greg Olsen in the two seasons prior to 2020. But once he got a real shot to fill the void left by the Pro Bowl veteran, he failed to meet these expectations.
Thomas might just be a rotational tight end that can come in and contribute when a No. 1 option goes down, and that’s fine. But it’s hard not to look at his potential and not think things could have been far different.
Draft Grade: D
The Indiana product finished the 2020 season with just 20 receptions from 31 targets for 145 receiving yards and one touchdown. This was just nine yards more than Thomas gained as the backup to Olsen last season and the tight end spot is an area that the Carolina Panthers will undoubtedly strengthen this offseason.
Marquis Haynes – Carolina Panthers DE/OLB
Marquis Haynes has done well to carve out a role for himself in Carolina. The edge rusher has steadily improved with every year he’s been in the league and he can now be considered as an important part of the defensive rotation.
Draft Grade: B
The former Mississippi State star put up some career numbers in 2020 from 37 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Haynes recorded four sacks, 18 tackles, four tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, one forced fumble, one pass defended, and 10 pressures during this time, and some more improvements next year will surely see the player rewarded with a new deal.