4 Panthers players who’ll benefit most from Thomas Brown hire in 2023
By Dean Jones
Ian Thomas – Carolina Panthers TE
Another area where Thomas Brown has proven credentials is coaching tight ends. This is a positional group that’s underachieved since Greg Olsen was allowed to leave in 2020 free agency for the Seattle Seahawks, so the new offensive coordinator has a lot of hard work ahead if those in power decide to stick with their current options.
The Carolina Panthers have enough draft capital to find a productive pass-catcher from the college ranks. But the coaching staff needs to take a long look at Ian Thomas to see once and for all just where his ceiling could be.
Thomas has been something of an enigma since Olsen left for pastures new. Many thought he’d instantly slot into the No. 1 spot and thrive, but he’s been a non-factor in the passing game despite flashing briefly.
The former fourth-round selection is among the league’s best blocking tight ends, which helped last season as Steve Wilks and Ben McAdoo adopted a run-heavy approach. Carolina’s offense next time around will be more expansive and pass-reliant, so Thomas must make a big impression in pursuit of generating additional targets.
If anyone can get a tune out of Thomas, it’s Brown. And there are enough physical skills to suggest strides can emerge before competitive action begins.