Will Ian Thomas develop into a quality starter?

[Jeremy Igo]

From Panthers.com 

Quote

Listed at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, the young tight end is a matchup problem. And when he starts running, it's easy to see why he was an enticing choice for the Panthers with the first pick of the fourth round in the 2018 draft.

Playing behind Greg Olsen, Thomas flashed at times in his first couple seasons, recording 52 receptions for 469 yards and three touchdowns. Yet, he hasn't been a full-time starter.

While that should change this year, Thomas isn't taking anything for granted.

"I mean, I'm not sure if I have a starting role yet," he said Tuesday.

So, Thomas himself isn't sure he is the starter yet. 

 

How confident are you in him becoming a quality starter for this team?

[MHS831]

5 minutes ago, Jeremy Igo said:

From Panthers.com 

So, Thomas himself isn't sure he is the starter yet. 

 

How confident are you in him becoming a quality starter for this team?

He has always (even in college) been a "potential" guy.  But for a TE who was injured at times, playing behind Olsen, and in RR's dog house for much of his career, 469 yards on 52 receptions with either a battered Cam or slumping Kyle Allen under center is not a bad foundation.  I would say that he needed a clean slate and opportunity---and a QB who favors the shorter routes and one that puts the ball on the numbers on time--will only help Thomas.  I am in the "the dude is ready to launch" mode.  Just remember, you heard it here fourth or fifth, today.

 

[t96]

He’s flashed pretty well with every opportunity he’s gotten and will continue to get better. I’m very confident he’ll be at least an average starter, and hopeful he can turn into a pass catching stud.

[imminent rogaine]

I feel like it’s not even a question. What exactly are we unsure of? He has already shown that he can get open, that he can catch, and that he has top level speed at that position. 

[Waldo]

The potential is there to be very good but he hasn't reached it yet. This year is his to prove what kind of player he is as a starter. I hope he makes the most of it.

[NAS]

I don't know but Cam showed a live arm yesterday in camp.

[Baskinridge]

Guess it depends on what you expect. Will he approach a level that we're more use to like a Greg Olsen? No, and part of that is the presence of other legit receiving targets. He's a solid type player who will make some plays and should achieve that starter level status but nothing more.

[Jeremy Igo]

17 minutes ago, NAS said:

I don't know but Cam showed a live arm yesterday in camp.

He always has. Then after about week 3 things went down hill.

[Carl Spackler]

He’s got good hands and can make the tough catches but this year he’s got to prove he can make all the catches. As a blocker, not much to speak of IMO. He’s a receiving TE, which is fine. 

[LinvilleGorge]

I think he will. Very highly doubtful he's ever as good as Olsen but that's a high bar to clear 

[top dawg]

Some Huddlers were talking down on him relatively recently. I think they're wrong. 

I won't say that he'll ever be a blocking beast, because IDK, but he'll be a fine pass-catching TE.

[PanthersGTI]

I think so. As others have said he's flashed the talent. His blocking will probably need work but unlike the last coaching staff I believe this one won't let that get in the way of  him seeing the field and maximizing what he does do well.

[hepcat]

We were spoiled to have one of the best TEs in the NFL for the last decade, so anything Thomas does isn’t going to be as good right away. By all accounts he should be the starting TE taking the bull by the horns. Instead we see the team constantly shuffling the TE room probably because they know Thomas can’t cut it. Damn shame because he’s obviously talented. Hope he shows up this season.

[LinvilleGorge]

6 minutes ago, hepcat said:

We were spoiled to have one of the best TEs in the NFL for the last decade, so anything Thomas does isn’t going to be as good right away. By all accounts he should be the starting TE taking the bull by the horns. Instead we see the team constantly shuffling the TE room probably because they know Thomas can’t cut it. Damn shame because he’s obviously talented. Hope he shows up this season.

Or maybe it's because they're looking for better backup options. It's not like they're bringing in guys who are expected to really push Thomas as the starter.