Should Carolina Draft a Tight End? Looking at a Few Options

The Panthers may consider to their depth at tight end.

Oct 21, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Colorado State Rams tight end Dallin Holker (5) / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers tight ends combined for a grand total of 561 yards and four touchdowns during the 2023 season. Tommy Tremble led the way with 32 receptions for 194 yards and three scores. That's not bad production, but you'd like to be able to squeeze a little bit more out of your top tight end, especially when you have a young quarterback.

Both GM Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales are optimistic that Tremble can be the guy moving forward, but acknowledge that adding to the room is something they need to do.

"Tommy Tremble, he's one of those guys that we hold in high regard," Morgan said. "The way that he developed last year and the way that we feel like he's coming along, we're really excited about that. Ian Thomas is a blocking veteran and he's one of the better blocking Ys at the point of attack. And then Stephen Sullivan is another guy we're excited about. It's not like we don't have tight ends because we are excited about our guys, but again we're always going to be looking to fill our roster out and draft or sign good football players."

So if the Panthers do take a tight end in the draft, who could they target?

Well, you can pretty much eliminate the possibility of it happening at No. 33 or 39. There's not going to be a quality option for the right value at that point in the draft and Carolina will more than likely have their eyes set on a recevier, pass rusher, and possibly a center.

There are several tight ends that could pique the interest of Carolina, but here are four that I feel would make for a great fit.

Ja'Tavion Sanders (Texas)

Sanders had a productive two years at Texas where he was the No. 3 option in the passing game behind Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, both of whom are getting consideration as first round picks. He doesn't have blazing speed by any means, but has enough to be able to create YAC.

Cade Stover (Ohio State)

Stover is another consistent pass catcher, hauling in an average of 38.5 receptions for 491 yards and five touchdowns over the last two seasons. He's a converted linebacker, so he's still adjusting and developing - not a guy that's going to come in right away and be TE1, or even TE2 for that matter.

Jared Wiley (TCU)

Jared Wiley, in my opinion, is going to be the steal of the draft at his position. He's a receiving-first tight end who will have to improve his pass pro and run blocking ability. Wiley would present a big target over the middle of the field and a security blanket of sorts to Bryce Young.

Dallin Holker (Colorado State)

Holker is a bit of a late bloomer due to seeing limited action in three seasons at BYU. During his lone season at Colorado State, he caught 64 passes for 767 yards and six touchdowns. He ranked second amongst all tight ends at the combine in the 20-yard shuttle, completing it in 4.21 seconds.