Carolina Panthers take Indiana tight end Ian Thomas in fourth round of NFL draft

Ian Thomas

Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 259.

Position: Tight end.

College: Indiana.

What he offers: Transferred from community college to Indiana, where he developed into a starter during the 2017 season. He's a raw prospect with minimal college production, but has the strength and size to develop into a solid backup tight end. Plays physically and can attack the middle of an opposing defense with underrated speed.

Worth mentioning: Only had 28 catches in two seasons at Indiana. ... Was a three-sport athlete (football, basketball, track and field) in high school.

Bet you didn’t know: Both parents passed away by the time he was 9 years old; he was practically raised by his older brother.

What they’re saying: "Didn't have great production ... but this guy has potential. He can run a little bit." — ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay.

This story was originally published April 28, 2018 at 12:23 PM with the headline "Carolina Panthers take Indiana tight end Ian Thomas in fourth round of NFL draft."