Sir Purr
Well-known member
- Mar 16, 2019
- 1,969
- 0
It will take some time for the Panthers' coaching staff to determine exact strengths and weaknesses once training camp begins. But Angelichio liked what he saw from Carolina's tight ends during the virtual offseason program, calling the group hard working and focused.
Of course, the position lost significant production when the Panthers released Greg Olsen after his ninth season in Carolina.
"Obviously, it'll be a big year for the group to see who steps up," Angelichio said.
The bulk of that opportunity will go to Ian Thomas, who flashed potential when filling in for an injured Olsen the past two seasons. According to Angelichio, the Packers were targeting Thomas in the 2018 draft, but the Panthers grabbed him before Green Bay could do it later in the fourth round.
"He's a guy who kind of does a little bit of everything," Angelichio said. "He's got some strength. He's got explosion. He's a guy who can run, can catch the ball, blocks. So we're excited."
Angelichio also likes the depth at his position. Some players have NFL experience like Chris Manhertz, Temarrick Hemingway, and Alex Armah, who is technically listed as a fullback. Colin Thompson, who played under Rhule at Temple product, has been on offseason rosters and played in the XFL before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the league. Plus, undrafted free agents Giovanni Ricci and Cam Sutton will compete for a roster spot during camp.
"We might be young, but between Temarrick, and Chris and Alex, those guys have played real football in real games, and that's all real positive stuff," Angelichio said. "I think collectively, when you add in Collin Thompson, and then Gio Ricci and Cam Sutton, we're gonna be able to put some guys out there that I think that we'll be happy with and will help us as a football team."