4 emerging draft busts on the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Tommy Tremble – Carolina Panthers TE
When the Carolina Panthers selected Tommy Tremble at No. 83 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, other teams from around the league were reportedly unhappy that they didn’t get the chance to bring the tight end on board. The former Notre Dame stud was a little raw from a pass-catching standpoint, but his elite blocking capabilities and athletic traits meant this had potential steal written all over it at the time.
Much like the situation with Yetur Gross-Matos, there are times when Tremble has flashed. His protection is a major asset more often than not, but the modern-day NFL requires much more from the position and it doesn’t appear as if he’ll ever become the complete package as hoped.
Finding reliable production from the tight end spot has been complicated for the Panthers since their decision to let Greg Olsen leave in 2020 free agency. Unless Tremble or Ian Thomas produce a dramatic turnaround in their remaining fixtures, expect Carolina to bring in additional options as a result.
Tremble’s poor performances this season are further reflected in his dismal 44.2 grade from Pro Football Focus through Week 11. Betting on his athletic attributes was a theme for the Panthers during the 2021 draft, but Matt Rhule proved incapable of nurturing talent effectively and the third-round pick has suffered more than most.
Perhaps Tremble might be better suited to a full-back role when it’s all said and done. Something that looks feasible considering his strengths.