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6 tight ends the Carolina Panthers could pick in the 2021 NFL Draft

By Shawn Simmons

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 21: Brevin Jordan #9 of the Miami Hurricanes runs with the ball in the second half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Hard Rock Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 21: Brevin Jordan #9 of the Miami Hurricanes runs with the ball in the second half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Hard Rock Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers
(Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) Ian Thomas /

Which tight end prospects could the Carolina Panthers target in the 2021 NFL Draft?

The Carolina Panthers have made several moves this offseason to fill holes on their roster at quarterback, wide receiver, linebacker, cornerback, and offensive line. But a big gap remains at the tight end position.

The Panthers released former franchise tight end, Greg Olsen in 2020 after nine seasons in Carolina. Following his departure, the team brought in former Cleveland Browns‘ tight end Seth DeValve to compete at tight end with incumbents Ian Thomas and Chris Manhertz but he was released in June with a non-football injury designation.

Following DeValve’s release, the Panthers went with Thomas as their first option at tight end during the 2020 season, giving the then-third year pro his first opportunity to break out after showing flashes of potential in his first two seasons after being drafted in the fourth round, No. 101 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Carolina Panthers a more reliable tight end in 2021.

Thomas failed to make an impact on the field as the No. 1 option at tight end for the Panthers. The Indiana product started early on in the season but eventually lost playing time to Manhertz and then-rookie Colin Thompson.

With more playing time, Thomas failed to improve his production much from the 2019 season to the 2020 season. In 2019, playing all 16 games (three starts) he was targeted 30 times, bringing in 16 receptions for 136 receiving yards, and one touchdown.

In 2020, he played in all 16 games (eight starts), with 31 targets, 20 receptions, 145 yards, and one score.

Thomas’s time in Carolina appears to be dwindling down. The Panthers will target a tight end at some point in the 2021 draft after already upgrading at the position through free agency by acquiring former Arizona Cardinal, Dan Arnold.

Let’s take a took at six tight ends that the Panthers could target each day during this year’s draft.

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