July 19, 2008

Much of the attention this offseason has gone to the Panthers’ retooling of their receiving corps and running game, but a capable trio of tight ends could make up one of the more improved positions for Carolina’s offense in 2008, the way we hear it. The team hasn’t had much of a threat at the position since Wesley Walls left after the ’02 season, but last year Jeff King became the first Panthers tight end to surpass 40 catches and 400 receiving yards since Walls did it in ’01. TE Dante Rosario was added to the mix as a rookie last season and showed some eye-opening flashes in limited duty, grabbing six receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Rookie TE Gary Barnidge, a fifth-round pick, signed his contract this week, and some scouts believe he could be an instant-impact player, particularly in the red zone, because of his great hands and 6-foot-5 frame. There is no standout in the group, but they give the team some depth, and their talents should allow offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson to get creative with how he utilizes them in the passing game.