The Carolina Panthers opened Day 3 of the NFL Draft by selecting a tight end, one of the critical positions of importance when the process began. Indiana tight end Ian Thomas became the fifth such player on the current roster, but has a legitimate opportunity to make the final 53-man roster behind Greg Olsen and Chris Manhertz.
A contract extension for Olsen prior to the draft, lessened the need for using a high pick on a tight end but someone needs to be added soon who can provide a similar target for quarterback Cam Newton in the passing game.