5 Panthers players who could be massively underrated in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players have the potential to be massively underrated once a critical 2022 campaign for the organization rolls around?
It’s truly hard to comprehend just how much is at stake for the Carolina Panthers in 2022. Another campaign of underachievement and missed targets could see substantial changes to staff and playing personnel, so this needs to be a collective effort from everyone involved during what appears to be a difficult schedule when competitive games resume.
The Panthers have improved key areas of their roster that held them back last season. If they can identify a primary left tackle and perhaps even secure a better option than Sam Darnold under center, then there might be an opportunity for improvement in an NFC South division that no longer has Sean Payton or Matt Ryan to contend with.
Although new signings are nice, it’s also up to those already on the roster to produce the goods. Considering how much pressure head coach Matt Rhule is under, he will be calling for this as a matter of great urgency.
With that being said, here are five Panthers players who could end up being massively underrated in 2022.
Player No. 1
Ian Thomas – Carolina Panthers TE
There were some raised eyebrows when the Carolina Panthers decided to extend Ian Thomas rather than let him leave in free agency. The tight end has been a passenger in the passing game over the last two years, but new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo feels like he can get more production out of the former fourth-round pick out of Indiana in his scheme.
Thomas has all the physical attributes needed to make a better go of things. His blocking has also come on a significant amount once installed as the team’s starting option.
Things are hanging by a thread as far as Thomas is concerned. But if McAdoo provides the spark, then it could make all the difference.