Old North Banter
Fansided

Carolina Panthers Position Preview: Tight Ends

By Richard Adkins

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Barkevious Mingo #51 of the Seattle Seahawks breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers during the second half of their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Barkevious Mingo #51 of the Seattle Seahawks breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers during the second half of their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Panthers tight end position rests on Greg Olsen’s health

The Carolina Panthers are looking at new ways to bring energy out of the offense after a disappointing 7-9 season. The tight end position has easily become one of the most important positions to fill as lately it has been less about blocking and more about scoring touchdowns, especially in the end zone.

One of the brightest positions the Carolina Panthers have is the tight end position with 12-year veteran Greg Olsen. However, over the last two seasons Olsen has been hindered with injuries and has even considered retirement. Due to this, the Panthers find themselves in a situation where there is a need to find a suitable replacement who can keep up production, just in case.

The best-case scenario for the Carolina Panthers is the return of a healthy Greg Olsen, but not an easy task of trust when the last two seasons he’s only suited up for 16 of the 32 games played. Greg Olsen is not just an easy replacement as he is a fan favorite and brings the experience needed to a young offensive core.

When fully healthy, Greg Olsen is a monster as he had Pro Bowl seasons years 2014, 2015, and 2016, all of which he surpassed 1,000-yards. Greg Olsen is expected to be back next season hopefully fully healthy and ready to go, however much like the last two seasons, the Panthers must have a tight end ready to go for the worst-case scenario.

Last season while dealing with a hobbling Olsen, a tight end by the name of Ian Thomas stepped up and became the solid replacement that the Panthers were looking for. Thomas, who was a 4th round rookie last year, took advantage of the opportunity given as he would go on to start six games grabbing 36 receptions, 333 yards and two touchdowns on the season.

The numbers just do not do justice as Thomas made some really big plays for the Panthers. His biggest game came when he caught 5 out of 7 targets for 61 yards and a touchdown in a huge win over the 13-3 Saints. Thomas is expected to be the man for the Panthers in a situation where Olsen doesn’t play.

The Panthers, well aware of Olsen and injuries, have taken extra precaution making sure the tight end position has depth with signings of two Alliance American Football players Marcus Baugh and Cole Hunt. These are two talented tight ends who could very well challenge Thomas if Olsen’s patterns of injury continues. However, the one to truly watch is Baugh out of the two. Baugh is listed at 6’5 and had a solid collegiate career with Ohio and continued that success in the AAF which ended up giving him a shot with the Carolina Panthers. Both Baugh and Hunt could bring heat and promise to the tight end depth chart, but there is no doubt it’s Thomas’ job to lose if Olsen ends up hobbled once again.

Home/Carolina Panthers