Tight End: The Need is Bigger than We Think

[MHS831]

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)

 

[*FreeFua*]

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

[MHS831]

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.

[*FreeFua*]

2 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

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

I’ve haven’t seen anything that says we have interest in Njoku?