Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL mock draft after Championship Saturday

Carolina Panthers pick No. 104

Charlie Kolar – TE (Iowa State)

Finding a productive pass-catching tight end to follow in Greg Olsen’s footsteps should also be considered by the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Ian Thomas didn’t do nearly enough to become the answer and although rookie Tommy Tremble has flashed, he does appear to be a work in progress when it comes to route-running, as expected.

Thomas is also out of contract next spring and unlikely to come back. Something that increases the urgency of finding another option slightly.

Charlie Kolar certainly looks the part and has the production to go along with it. He has an NFL-ready frame and impressive ball skills both across the middle and in the red zone, playing much more physically than his frame would suggest.

Kolar’s numbers over the last three seasons at Iowa State are impressive, to say the least. His ability to catch in traffic is nothing short of exceptional and there aren’t many balls coming his way that won’t be caught.

The prospect wouldn’t ever be classed as having any sort of elite burst. But what Kolar does do well is create separation quickly and if he can brush up on his route-running, someone is going to have a player of enormous promise on their hands.