As we reflect back on 2018 and look forward to 2019’s roster needs, this is a good time to shine a spotlight the value of successful mid-round picks like tight end Ian Thomas.
The Carolina Panthers invested a 2018 fourth round pick (No. 101 overall) in Thomas, a raw, athletic prospect with upside coming out of Indiana. Fortunately for the Panthers it looks like they may have nailed this selection. Thomas made meaningful contributions and demonstrated noticeable improvement throughout his rookie campaign. This isn’t always the case for mid-round picks with terms like “raw” and “upside” attached to their names.