4 second-year Panthers players with ‘stud or dud’ potential in 2022

Thomas Fletcher – Carolina Panthers LS

Many eyebrows were raised when the selection of a long snapper in the sixth round was announced. Especially given longtime franchise stalwart J.J. Jansen showed no signs of slowing down and still being one of the most reliable players in the league.

That decision then soured further when it was announced that Thomas Fletcher was being placed on season-ending injured reserve before seeing any real action.

Now, we cannot fault Fletcher for being injured. This is something that is largely out of the control of a player or the staff in charge of their health.

However, the best ability is availability sometimes. Missing your entire rookie season does nothing good for the long-term future of a player.

Missing out on that experience is one thing, but one also must consider the effects of recency bias when it comes time for roster cuts as new rookies are brought in and veterans are signed to bolster numbers.

Add to this the fact that Jansen has once again signed a one-year deal to remain with the Carolina Panthers and the writing just might be on the wall for Fletcher before he even gets the chance to prove himself.

That would be a tough pill to swallow considering the talent Carolina could have taken with that pick instead. Especially when you consider the fact the team could have easily signed Fletcher as an undrafted free agent after the selection process ended.

It’s sad to see a young player go without the opportunity to prove themself. But Fletcher is quickly running out of chances, especially if the injury bug bites them once again.