Carolina Panthers select TE Ian Thomas

[run-run-pass-punt]

Block/hide Kalil now, catch/complete TE later. Really like this player and think Norv will bring out the best in him, given time.

[LinvilleGorge]

Just now, MillionDollarCam said:

I see Olsen a tier below guys like Engram, Reed, Ertz, Graham, and Kelce when it comes to speed.

Olsen's ypc has more to do with his route running and ability to find the soft spot in the defense rather than his speed or agility. His yac leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to running away from defenders.

To be an elite tight end you have to be elite at something and I feel like Olsen is an elite route runner but leaves much to be desired in speed and agility.

Regarldess, he's still a top tight end.

Yeah, there's some TEs faster than Olsen. But you said "slow ass". That's not even close to being accurate. Like I said, he still has above average speed for a TE. No he doesn't have great YAC ability but he is still absolutely an elite TE and he has been for awhile. Mediocre YAC ability is honestly probably about the only real knock on Olsen. Speed isn't. He absolutely still has the ability to stretch the field from the TE position.

[Pazhoosier89]

As an Indiana fan I watched every game this year.  He produced in the games he played but he had injuries this past year that kept him from playing a lot. If he stays healthy he can be a good TE. A good blocker and good athleticism for his size. 

[beastson]

16 minutes ago, TheRed said:

How does Greg Hardy have his very own Stan here after all these years?

The internet is a strange place.

I mean to be fair

We have yet to replace him

[Ship]

As said elsewhere, a small sample size, but from his highlights it looks like he made plays against quality opponents like Penn St and Ohio St. and not just scrub teams.

He looks the part for sure, and hopefully with the staff we have and their ability to teach and create for the TE position, this guy is in a good place to nurture his talent.

[TheSpecialJuan]

From Tony Pauline 

Here's a look at the best players still available after three full rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft.

BPA After Round 3
Rnd	Grade	Pos	Full Name	School
1-2	4.37	DT	Maurice Hurst	Michigan
2nd	4.02	TE	Ian Thomas	Indiana
2nd	4.00	DE	Da'Shawn Hand	Alabama
2nd	3.99	DE	Josh Sweat	Florida State

[FakePlasticTrees]

37 minutes ago, tondi said:

Olsen's speed isnt as relevant as his inability to ever break a tackle. 

Of course, those two things are likely related.

[cptx]

2 hours ago, Kevin Greene said:

Damn, drunk already? :-)

haha, he edited it and it's still bad

[Panthers8969]

2 hours ago, WOW!! said:

He's African American you idiot

You mean black? 

 

Did the other guy say Caucasian American? 

[RumHam]

Typical late down round response: he looks good so much potential

[trucpfan]

2 minutes ago, RumHam said:

Typical late down round response: he looks good so much potential

I'm gonna literally post this after our next pick.

[WOW!!]

12 minutes ago, Panthers8969 said:

You mean black? 

 

Did the other guy say Caucasian American? 

Why are we doing this??. Dude said he was a white stiff .. I said he is African American.. What is the fuging problem with this for you ppl?? Please just move on before we go a place you don't want to go...

[shaqattaq]

2 hours ago, Saca312 said:

There we go. Perfect blocking TE for Norv. Upgrade over Dickson.

Exactly. This isn't a replacement for Greg, he's a compliment to him.

[CaseyGraham]

STEAL OF OUR DRAFT CLASS RIGHT HERE. 

Of ian had more games played he would have easily been a second round pick. Extremely athletic, can line up inside and out, has great hands, makes plays on the ball, can stretch the field down the middle, did I say GREAT HANDS, very good dip in his hips and positioning for the potential to be a great blocker with coaching. He's a decent route runner as well. Having an athlete at tight end is BIG! I love this pick and the whole draft. Marty Hurney knocking it out the park this year.