On the Fringes: Is familiarity key for Panthers TE Stephen Sullivan?

Could familiarity be key for tight end Stephen Sullivan as he looks to make the Carolina Panthers 53-man roster in 2021?

Players on the fringes are always looking for something that gives them an advantage over others looking to make the 53-man roster. The Carolina Panthers are getting ready for what promises to be an enthralling and intense training camp, which will ultimately determine just who the team takes through to the regular season in 2021 and where this will be especially evident.

Matt Rhule’s preference for intense practices is going to be a stern test in the heat of Wofford College in Spartanburg. One thing for sure, it’s going to separate the strong from the weak that might make the decision-making process a little easier ahead of the Panthers‘ Week 1 clash against the New York Jets.

For some, it’s going to come down to fine margins.

Others need to showcase what they’re capable of during Carolina’s three preseason games, so there is a lot at stake from top to bottom on the depth chart.

One player is hoping scheme familiarity can swing momentum in his favor in pursuit of a roster spot.

Stephen Sullivan is no stranger to some staff on the Carolina Panthers.

Stephen Sullivan came into the fold this offseason and has some likable traits to call upon from the tight end spot. He made a successful transition to the position from a wide receiver in his final season at LSU, which resulted in a dominant campaign and a convincing national championship triumph for the Tigers.

This saw the player taken in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, where Carolina’s current general manager Scott Fitterer was an influential person within their front office.

Whether this played a role in Sullivan coming to Carolina is up for debate. But one thing that also needs to be recognized is the player’s previous relationship with offensive coordinator Joe Brady.

The staff member was LSU’s passing game coordinator in 2019 when Sullivan was in his final year with the team. He only gained 130 receiving yards from 12 receptions, but his obvious athletic attributes are there for all to see.

Sullivan faces a real fight to make the team. The Panthers brought in Dan Arnold and Tommy Tremble this offseason and also appear willing to give Ian Thomas one last chance to make a go of things on the final year of his deal.

It appears unlikely that the Panthers will take more than three tight ends onto their roster. Meaning Sullivan could end up on the practice squad providing he shows more than Colin Thompson during the offseason.

Not the worst situation in the world by any stretch of the imagination.

And all hope for Sullivan would not be lost.

It’s hard to envisage a situation where Thomas is still on the roster after this season. If Sullivan works hard, develops his craft, and catches the eye at practice, then it could mean a more substantial role in 2022 and beyond.

There is a lot of football to be played between now and then. Sullivan will be giving it his all at camp and the player can relax safe in the knowledge Brady knows exactly what he can do in crucial situations.

That was in college, obviously. But becoming an NFL star is something else entirely.