The Panthers got nothing out of their second tight end last season, so they signed free agent Ed Dickson from the Ravens in the hopes of being able to find a reliable backup to starter Greg Olsen, while also employing more 2TE sets on offense. Dickson is a terrific athlete and will be entering his fifth season out of Oregon, but he failed to live up to expectations during his time in Baltimore and is looking to prove he belongs in the NFL.
Fantasy Upside
Dickson is a former third round pick, and is a 6’4, 255 lbs athlete who can stretch the seam and outrun most linebackers in the league. Dickson didn’t do much in Baltimore, but he showed tremendous promise his second season in the league in 2011 when he caught 54 passes for 528 yards and five touchdowns. If the Panthers can bring back 2011 Ed Dickson, then the Panthers offense and fantasy owners needing a bye week filler might be pleased to have Dickson.
Fantasy Downside
Unfortunately for Dickson, starter Greg Olsen isn’t going anywhere any time soon, and as long as he remains in the mix, there’s virtually no chance that Dickson becomes a reliable fantasy option. Dickson had a great opportunity to start in place of the injured Dennis Pitta in Baltimore last year, but struggled catching the football and couldn’t beat out a 34 year old Dallas Clark for targets. He finished with only 273 yards and a lone touchdown.
Bottom Line
Dickson is an interesting player because he’s clearly a tremendous talent. He has not put it together thus far however, and his fantasy value is tied too much to his ability to win snaps in 2TE sets, rather than seriously challenge Olsen for the starting job. Unless Olsen gets hurt, and Dickson shows he can turn the clock back to 2011, then he’s not really worth drafting at this point.
