Ed Dickson visiting the Panthers

[jarhead]

Yea he was a specialist, but having a specialist blocking TE isn't unheard of in the NFL and he was a good one. Our blocking dropped off tremendously when he was injured.

 

He is obviously older so getting some youth in there is clearly the plan but he was a good contributor. 

Not a bad idea if you have Bell at tackle

[csx]

Isn't he still an FA? He's basically useless as a receiver, that combined with his age, well you can figure it out.

I believe so and I see the writing on the wall too. Most if not all blocking specialists are useless as a receiver. There is a reason teams keep them around and they have long careers. They are useful and cheap.

[Donald LaFell]

Hartsock has literally done next to nothing his entire career. Great guy, but all he can do is block, and he's about to turn 34.

 

That's pretty impressive for a blocking TE at least.

[imminent rogaine]

Looks like he might be good for a few more yards-after-catch than Olsen. Cam isn't amazingly accurate; I like giving him big bodies to throw to.

[Donald LaFell]

@billvoth: Between Dickson’s possible addition and w/Mike McNeill already in fold, seems apparent Ben Hartsock’s time w/#Panthers is done.

 

 

Nah they already signed someone to replace Hartsock.  Mike McNeill

 

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/15/panthers-sign-a-guy-who-might-end-up-in-a-pass-pattern/

 

Dickson and B-Williams will be competing to be Greg Olsen's backup as pass-catching TE.

 

Didn't hear about the McNeil signing. Looks like Hartsock is indeed on the bubble if not already gone!

[Mr. Scot]

Hartsock has literally done next to nothing his entire career. Great guy, but all he can do is block, and he's about to turn 34.

And had injury issues last year.

[TheRed]

That's pretty impressive for a blocking TE at least.

 

I guess that depends on how you look at it.

 

Impressive that he's managed to play 11 seasons in the NFL as a TE while only compiling 312 yards and one TD? Sure.

[ChinaPanther]

It's obvious what Gettleman is trying to do now. He's trying to transform the offense into what the Ravens had 2 years ago when they won the superbowl. We have the tight ends if Dickson signs. We have the possession receivers in Cotchery and Avant. We could have 1 deep threat WR with Tavarres King. We need another deep threat wide receiver. 

[Ken]

Didn't hear about the McNeil signing. Looks like Hartsock is indeed on the bubble if not already gone!

Hartsock is a FA...

[Fox007]

I guess that depends on how you look at it.

 

Impressive that he's managed to play 11 seasons in the NFL as a TE while only compiling 312 yards and one TD? Sure.

 

 

Yea...that's how the whole blocking TE thing works...most teams have em...

[d-dave]

But, Gettleman doesn't sign FAs?!?!!

 

Kidding!  Hey, he's got some skills, but he's been very inconsistent.  If he's turned down other offers, but feels like signing here, he must feel like this team gives him the best chance to be successful so he can get back to being productive.  If he has a strong season for us, awesome.  

 

Now wouldn't that be interesting to see if we run more 2 TE sets, maybe 3 TE with the Blocker/McNeil in there, and a fast WR on the outside...  Could be a great play action set up formation with Olsen and Dickson's athleticism    

[Khaki Lackey]

Why hasn't be been picked up by now if he's so good? He had a whole 273 yards last year and one td.

Yeah, well. Jeremy Shockey had the most overrated 400 yards in Panthers history and everyone on here polishes his balls cause he had cool tats and "teh fire!!"

[Man Strength]

Anecdotally, I've always liked Dickson when randomly watching the Ravens, but his PFF status are brutal year after year.  Most of his negative value comes from run blocking, which he is apparently awful at.  use him like a big WR and we should be fine. 

[TheRed]

Yea...that's how the whole blocking TE thing works...most teams have em...

 

Thanks for the input.