The NFC South tight ends showcase a mix of raw talent and untapped potential heading into the 2025 season. Though injuries have plagued some of the division's best, players like Kyle Pitts and Taysom Hill spark intrigue.

Ranked from seventh to first, Tommy Tremble and Ja'Tavion Sanders of the Carolina Panthers highlight the lower end, while Juwan Johnson and Cade Otton emerge as standout options for their respective teams. Taysom Hill's versatility for the New Orleans Saints continues to pose matchup nightmares for defenses.

The Carolina Panthers have added another participant to Tight End University, a summit founded by NFL greats Greg Olsen, Travis Kelce, and George Kittle. This year's event features over 70 tight ends, including the Panthers' Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, and Dominique Dafney. Notably, Ja'Tavion Sanders, the team's fourth-round pick in 2024, will also attend, despite initial reports suggesting he would not be present.

With Tremble currently recovering from back surgery, Sanders may see an increased role in the upcoming season. Reports indicate he has been working diligently to refine his skills and has shown significant improvement. As tight ends continue to evolve within the NFL landscape, Sanders' participation at TEU may fast-track his development into a pivotal asset for the Panthers.

As the Carolina Panthers embark on a youthful revival, second-year tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders is poised to play a crucial role in their success. Drafted 101st overall in 2024, Sanders had an impressive rookie season, accumulating more receiving yards than any Panthers tight end since the legendary Greg Olsen. Despite a setback with a neck injury against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sanders returns to offseason workouts in better shape and ready to seize the opportunity with veteran Tommy Tremble sidelined and rookie Mitchell Evans in transition.

With Sanders demonstrating significant promise, he stands to establish himself as the Panthers' long-term TE1, especially with other tight ends struggling to adapt. His return to form is not only vital for the team's offensive strategy but could also yield significant fantasy football implications, particularly in a league that increasingly values the tight end position.

The Carolina Panthers kicked off their 2025 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with positive feedback from head coach Dave Canales, who described the session as a "great day." Notably, defensive lineman Derrick Brown was present on the field, indicating a promising recovery from his meniscus surgery, although he did not participate in drills. Tight end Tommy Tremble, however, recently underwent back surgery, raising concerns about his availability for the start of the season; the team hopes he will be ready for training camp.

Additionally, receiver Hunter Renfrow is making strides after missing the entire 2024 season due to health issues, and there are high hopes for second-year wideout Xavier Legette, who is showing improved confidence and speed. The Panthers also scheduled joint practices with the Houston Texans as they prepare for their preseason matchup, signaling a proactive approach as they build team chemistry and assess their roster ahead of the upcoming season.

Tommy Tremble's upcoming NFL season remains uncertain as he has undergone back surgery, with his return timeline being unclear. The former Notre Dame tight end and current Carolina Panthers player is expected to be on the physically unable to perform list during training camp as he focuses on rehabilitation. At just 25 years old, this setback is unfortunate for Tremble, who has already contributed 85 receptions for 782 yards and nine touchdowns since being selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Panthers will be monitoring his progress closely.