Carolina Panthers: 5 offseason needs in 2020

3. A pass-catching tight end

Greg Olsen is more likely to star in the broadcast booth than on the field for the Panthers in 2020. That leaves Ian Thomas as the heir apparent for his starting spot at tight end.

Thomas has some solid potential, but he’s never going to be a big-time threat in the passing game. He’s much better suited to be this team’s No. 2 tight end. Sliding him down to that spot will require Carolina to acquire a new starter.

The draft is a great place for the Panthers to make that happen. They won’t spend the No. 7 overall pick on a new downfield passing option, but it’s certainly a need that could be addressed in round two or three. Finding a player who can trouble safeties down the seam from the tight end position could do a lot to open up Carolina’s offense next year.

Drafting that kind of player would send a clear signal that Rhule’s offense is ready to move into the modern NFL. That’s a valid criticism of Rivera’s time in Carolina. He was never willing to spread the field to really turn his playmakers loose. Don’t look for Rhule to make that mistake.