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Tight End: The Need is Bigger than We Think

MHS831

By MHS831,
in Carolina Panthers

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MHS831 Grand Master

MHS831

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What you are going to see from MHS831, your "source for Panther Predictions that are Unlikely to Happen but if they did, they would be 'real cool,'" is a position-by-position breakdown of needs that we seem to have normalized. 

Tight End:  The team is looking for a "game-breaker" and to improve upon a 24th-ranked red-zone offense. Though they have brought back their own players for depth, the organization is looking for more competition to improve the position's overall impact.  In 2025, the unit averaged 8.1 yards per reception, failing to consistently stretch the field or provide a "scary" threat to opposing defenses.  I think they were hoping that Sanders would be that person.  He is not.  I have read some Huddlers demanding the "all-around" TE, and that point is valid.  However, you have to think about the focus on developing Young and the new age TE in the NFL.   

"The Carolina Panthers have heavily utilized multi-tight end sets, ranking among the top NFL teams in using 13 personnel (three tight ends)—a strategy they employed on 7.8% of plays during the 2025 season. Under coach Dave Canales, the team employs these formations to bolster the run game and create diverse passing matchups."  This is why a seam-busting, pass-catching TE is so critically important for the Panthers.  

This need is perhaps much bigger than we realize.  Do not discount the possibility of drafting Sadiq if he is there; I have seen him in the top 15 frequently. Too many drops for me, personally, and I am not a fan of a TE in round 1 (gotta think salary cap--grab a position that normally gets a high salary on the second contract--not a TE)  Stowers in round 2 is also an option.  I am intrigued by Trigg, a TE who should be drafted in the third round.

Let our interest in Njoku demonstrate the kind of TE we seek right now.  Do we need blocking TEs?  Yes, but in a two or three WR set, maybe not as much as a traditional TE.

I get the feeling we are not finished at TE.  (Njoku?  I am predicting that he goes to Chicago or Baltimore or Miami--Chicago #1)

 

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*FreeFua* Grand Master

*FreeFua*

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I’m old enough to remember when I wanted to draft Njoku

We brought back Mitchell and officially kept Tremble. Mitchell Evans isn’t going anywhere. Sanders who knows, he was awful last year

I fully agree we need a better TE. This room is awful

Njoku would be a massive help in the red zone. However it really seems like Dan and the FO prefer to go young on offense

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MHS831 Grand Master

MHS831

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19 minutes ago, *FreeFua* said:

I’m old enough to remember when I wanted to draft Njoku

We brought back Mitchell and officially kept Tremble. Mitchell Evans isn’t going anywhere. Sanders who knows, he was awful last year

I fully agree we need a better TE. This room is awful

Njoku would be a massive help in the red zone. However it really seems like Dan and the FO prefer to go young on offense

I think the Njoku interest revealed intent and the type of TE they want.  I really expected more from Sanders.

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    • *FreeFua*
      Tight End: The Need is Bigger than We Think

      By *FreeFua* · Posted

      I’ve haven’t seen anything that says we have interest in Njoku?
    • MHS831
      Tight End: The Need is Bigger than We Think

      By MHS831 · Posted

      I think the Njoku interest revealed intent and the type of TE they want.  I really expected more from Sanders.
    • MHS831
      Defensive Tackle: The Need that Shall Not be Named

      By MHS831 · Posted

      Defensive tackle (or end in a 3-4 base) is suddenly a rather significant need.  It seems to be a forbidden topic on the Huddle.  Well I am going to unforbidden it for this thread. When we lost Robinson, it was a salary cap cutting move, saving us about $9m or so, I think.  That suggests that we are going to get cheaper, younger, and maybe, more multi-dimensional.  First, what did we lose in Robinson: (Charlotte Observer)  "Robinson co-led the team in sacks (5.5) in 2024, and he ranked second among Carolina linemen, behind Brown, in sacks (2.5) in 2025. (Derrick) Brown played on 76.4% of the Panthers’ defensive snaps last year, while Robinson played on 62.2% of those reps. No other defensive lineman played more than 38.3%, as free-agent addition, Turk Wharton, dealt with injuries throughout his first season in Carolina. Wharton played in just nine games, producing 36 total tackles and two sacks. He’s guaranteed $14 million this upcoming season. Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article314544998.html#storylink=cpy OK, about Turk Wharton.  The Observer claims that he and Bobby Brown III were to rotate into the Robinson DE position, but that is too weird for my head to comprehend.  First, Brown III is a NT by trade and Wharton weighs about 280 lbs and is not stout vs. the run.  Brown III is not going to provide the internal pass pressure; he is basically designed to take on double teams and dig in.  Wharton, on the other hand, had a PFF score in those 9 games of 40 or so.  In fairness, he was playing with injuries, but Damn.  PFF gives me a higher rating at the Golden Corral buffet.  In other words, we need a true DT who can fill the two thirds of snaps that we just released.  We can't count on Turk and Brown III is not the answer.  Cam Jackson?  Same as Brown.  Have your people do what they do best.  Furthermore, Derrick Brown probably should limit his snaps.  Playing more than 3/4 of the snaps is hard on the body.  A tired player in the trenches is more prone to lower-body injuries. We need a player who can give Derrick Brown some relief and play opposite him as well.  Turk can rotate in but he needs to shoot gaps and give Guards and tackles fits--a change of pace.   I have to think we are going to draft DT much sooner than most Huddlers realize.  My favorite, you didn't ask? Probable second-rounder Gracen Halton (No. 59 overall, according to ESPN's March 2026 update). Once considered a Day 3 sleeper, his 2026 NFL draft stock has exploded into Round 2 or 3 due to elite interior pass-rush metrics.  Projected Round: 2 (Early to Mid) Key Traits: Elite explosive, quickness, 12.2%+ pass-rush win rate, and positional versatility to play inside on passing downs. Combine Highlights: Led defensive tackles in the vertical jump (36.5”) and broad jump, per Sports Illustrated. Draft Stock: Rising fast due to consistent 2025 production (7 tackles for loss) and a "freak show" combine performance, according to Stormin in Norman.  Halton is considered a high-motor playmaker and a potential Day 2 standout, notes   I would not be surprised to see DT on day 2.  
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