What can the Panthers expect from Tommy Tremble in 2021?

What can the Carolina Panthers expect from their new tight end Tommy Tremble in 2021?

Addressing the tight end position was absolutely essential for the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Their decision to cut ties with prolific veteran Greg Olsen left a gaping hole in this area of the field and the lack of production from Ian Thomas and Chris Manhertz only made this a more pressing priority ahead of a crucial 2021 campaign for the franchise.

Manhertz left in free agency for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Thomas remains on the roster for now despite failing to make the No. 1 position his own in the immediate aftermath of Olsen’s departure. The former Indianan standout was one of the team’s most disappointing performers in 2020, gaining just 31 targets throughout the season on his way to becoming a relative afterthought in Joe Brady’s offensive game plan.

The Panthers did manage to secure a nice pass-catcher across the middle with the signing of Dan Arnold, who showed flashes with the Arizona Cardinals last time out and also has previous experience working with Brady on the New Orleans Saints.

This will help. Of that, there is little doubt.

But the Panthers also opted to use a Day 2 pick on an incoming college prospect that comes into the NFL with a significant amount of intrigue.

What the Carolina Panthers can expect from Tommy Tremble.

Carolina selected Tommy Tremble out of Notre Dame in the third round, which is probably going to be a work in progress in certain aspects. But there is plenty to like about his chances of making an immediate contribution in one vital area of the game.

The common H-Back is a dying breed in today’s pass-happy NFL. However, that is not the case where the Panthers are concerned due to their heavy reliance on All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey to shoulder the load.

Although taking the heat off McCaffrey would be beneficial considering the injury problems suffered by the player last season, it would be a huge shock if he didn’t remain the focal point. Tremble gained a strong reputation for being a violent blocker with the Fighting Irish and has all the athleticism needed to successfully transition this to the next level.

Adding another blocking presence on the edge could help McCaffrey significantly. Tremble can cope with edge rushers seamlessly and absolutely thrives demolishing linebackers at the second level.

This will obviously be tougher against more physical defenders who boast more experience. But Tremble has the sort of attitude needed to make the necessary adjustments and become an important part of the offense in Week 1.

There isn’t much to go off from a pass-catching standpoint thanks to the limited opportunities Tremble received in college. The prospect did show flashes of what he could possibly do and if he develops his craft in a professional environment, Carolina will have the complete package on their hands.

It ended up being an immensely eventful draft for the Panthers. General manager Scott Fitterer was heavily involved in trading up and down the board on his way to 11 selections that should give the roster a real boost in the long and short term.

Tremble definitely fits the mold of what the Panthers are trying to build. His infectious enthusiasm is matched by ruthless aggression that is hard to stop, so expect fireworks whenever he is on the field as a rookie.