Former IUFB TE Ian Thomas Selected 101st Overall (4th Round) By the Carolina Panthers

Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written By Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)

Ian Thomas, Tight End, Carolina Panthers, (4th Round, 1st , 101st Overall)

Ian Thomas’ dreams came true on Saturday when he was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the 101st overall pick in the fourth round. It’s been a long and winding road up until this point in Thomas’ life. The Baltimore, Maryland native endured the passing of his parents at a young age. Along with his eight siblings, Thomas was put in an unfathomable situation. He persevered through adversity and, despite his impressive size, Thomas was always overlooked – until now.

Coming out of Digital Harbor High School, Thomas went straight to Nassau Community College in Garden City, New York. After two prolific seasons dominating JUCO football, Thomas transferred to Indiana University and joined the Hoosiers for the final two years of his college eligibility. Thomas spent his junior season largely underutilized due to an offensive scheme that tended to neglect tight ends in the passing game. However, the 6-foot-5, 250-pound stud of an athlete would evolve into a force to be reckon with. When Tom Allen and the Hoosiers hired offensive coordinator Mike DeBord, Thomas was expected to step up his game and see a ton of action.

Ian Thomas delivered. He racked up 25 catches, 376 yards, and five touchdowns during his senior season. Not only did Thomas prove he was a serious red zone threat, he also recorded a 71-yard touchdown reception – demonstrating his elite athleticism for his size. Thomas missed a few games due to injury, and often times he wasn’t at full strength, but that didn’t stop him from turning in an eye-popping performance. He garnered an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten Team. More importantly, Thomas’ senior season caught the eye of NFL talent evaluators.

The sheer size, ability, and big-play threat Thomas possesses makes him a wildly intriguing pro prospect. Especially during a time when a tight end with elite receiver skills is a staple in NFL offenses, Thomas’ prototype is more sought after than ever before. Thomas is obsessed with football and he has an NFL-ready physique. He is a physical route runner who can gain separation on defenders in the passing game. According to NFL scouts, Ian Thomas’ blocking ability dramatically increased throughout his senior year. A stellar performance at the NFL Combine and IU’s Pro Day certainly helped Thomas’ draft stock.

Scouts love him as an impressive, raw prospect. Thomas is a matchup nightmare and he can make opponents pay in goal line formation and down the field. Ian Thomas’ career as a Hoosier was brief but memorable. He will almost undoubtedly make an impact at the next level. Thomas will team up with Cam Newton to provide a potentially lethal threat in the passing game. The Panthers were looking for a young tight end Greg Olsen can mentor, and they may have struck gold with Thomas. Hoosier fans will be rooting for Ian Thomas to thrive in Carolina.

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