The recent news of Greg Olsen and the Panthers parting ways
after nine seasons came as a bit of a shock. Olsen has been one of the most
reliable targets for Cam Newton, including three straight one thousand yard
receiving seasons from 2014 to 2016. The first tight end in NFL history to
record such a feat.
With the hiring of LSU passing game coordinator Joe Brady by
the Panthers being elevated to the position of offensive coordinator, look for
the possibility of former LSU tight end Thaddeus Moss to sneak into the first round.
Before the news of the Olsen Panthers split, the need for a tight end was
relatively moderate. This split could be a reasoning for jumping that need from
moderate to severe. The Panthers currently hold the seventh spot in the NFL
draft.
The tight end position plays a vital role in the offense
that Joe Brady will be calling, Moss not only thrived in that offense but
excelled in it. Breaking numerous longstanding receiving school records, for a
tight end, along the way. “You know Joe comes from throwing the ball with Sean
Payton and (Jeremy) Shockey and all those guys” said LSU head coach Ed Orgeron
in an interview about using the tight ends more in the LSU offense.
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) Moss had a zero percent drop rate this season, the best among draft eligible tight ends with at least 45 targets. Possibly his most memorable catch coming against Alabama at the goal line. Moss was forced out then re-established himself inbounds to make an almost impossible acrobatic toe tap catch that was caught by the pylon cam, clearly showing him inbounds.
Moss has shown his ability to stretch the field when other
receivers were covered. But, his knowledge of Joe Bradys’ playbook and his
ability to block defenders off the edge is what gives him the immediate jump
here.
Christian McCaffrey has been all world the past two seasons
with the Panthers and hopes to improve upon that. “He’s able to utilize not
just me, but everybody.” McCaffrey said about Joe Brady. “And put everybody in
a position they can best help the team win.” He went on to say “Look at what he
did with the LSU program this year, possibly the greatest college team of all
times. It was fun to watch as an outsider before I knew he was our coach.”
Being a lead blocker for McCaffrey, or an outlet receiver
for Cam Newton, or whoever the next quarterback is in Carolina. With the myriad
of athletic talents Moss possesses do not be surprised if Joe Brady is not
front and center cheering him on at both the combine and LSU’s pro day.