Carolina Panthers 53-man roster predictions following 2022 NFL Draft

Carolina Panthers TEs

• Ian Thomas, Tommy Tremble, Giovanni Ricci (FB).

Big changes were expected within the tight end room this offseason after Ian Thomas failed to produce the goods. The former fourth-round pick was expected to be let go after his contract expired, but the Carolina Panthers instead opted to extend the Indiana product to the surprise of many.

This has Ben McAdoo written all over it. The offensive coordinator has had a leading voice in personnel moves since his appointment and he feels like Thomas could have much more to offer in his system, which utilizes tight ends heavily.

Thomas’ deal was also pretty cheap considering what other tight ends across the league were paid this offseason. There also remains some hope that Tommy Tremble can become more influential in the passing game with a full year of NFL experience under his belt.

Both Thomas and Tremble are effective blockers. But the tight end position requires much more these days, so it remains to be seen whether or not they can become more influential in the passing game.

With no true No. 3 option, it might be worth the Panthers taking Giovanni Ricci onto the roster as a full-back/tight-end hybrid. This is a role where he showed promise in 2021 and could be used in a similar fashion under McAdoo.