Finding Panthers: Five Tight Ends to Watch at the Combine
There's no first round pick for the Carolina Panthers but that won't keep us from talking about prospects the organizations should take a hard look at.
With the NFL Combine taking place this week, we identified five tight ends that Panthers fans should keep a close eye on.
Brock Bowers, Georgia
Bowers is the premier tight end in this draft and by a wide margin. Some mock drafts project him to go in the top ten and he's 100% worthy of that conversation. Given how many contending teams would like to add a receiving threat like Bowers, it's hard to see the Panthers getting any chance to draft him at No. 33. However, there is a lot of time between now and the draft and if for whatever reason he doesn't test/interview well, he could slide. Still very unlikely he slips to the second, but you never know.
Ja'Tavion Sanders, Texas
Sanders is really good after the catch and creating separation in the route. He's terrific in the pass game, but has a long, long way to go as a blocker to become a complete tight end. Over the last two seasons, Sanders has logged 99 receptions for 1,295 yards and seven touchdowns.
Ben Sinnott, Kansas State
Sinnott is a clear day three pick, but he has a great deal of value due to his ability to block in the run game. He can lineup at fullback or tight end and depending on the situation he's drafted to, he could play both spots.
Jaheim Bell, Florida State
Bell shares a lot of the same characteristics as Ja'Tavion Sanders - really excels as a receiving threat, but needs development as a blocking tight end. Given his frame and skillset, he could be a candidate to move to wide receiver.
Jared Wiley, TCU
After seeing minimal action at Texas, Wiley transferred to TCU and developed into a quality receiving threat. This season, he led the Frogs with 47 receptions and eight touchdowns. Big, physical presence over the middle of the field who can absorb big hits. He may not be Brock Bowers, but he's my favorite tight end in this class to watch.
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