Mitchell Evans

Ja'Tavion Sanders (dynasty value 1,536) is the clear pass-catching TE1, with Tommy Tremble (702) occupying the hybrid role above Evans. Evans ranks a distant third in passing-down usage and would need two attrition events to become fantasy-relevant as a starter.

The Panthers are actively targeting a TE in the 2026 NFL Draft, with Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon, potential top-20 pick) and Oscar Delp (Georgia) among prospects who have met with the team. Head coach Dave Canales listed TE as a priority position at pick #19, making it highly likely a higher-ceiling pass-catcher lands above Evans on the depth chart.

PFF data shows Evans ran ~88% of his snaps in an inline blocking role in 2025, blocking on nearly 15% of pass plays. His target share declining to 3% despite a 46% snap rate confirms his current role is as a blocker, not a pass-catching TE — a ceiling-capper for dynasty value.

Evans is the clear #3 behind a healthy Ja'Tavion Sanders (the room's top receiving option, 29 catches in 2025) and blocking specialist Tommy Tremble. The Panthers intentionally kept all three, so there is no organic path to a featured role barring injury.

Evans's target share cratered to 3% in Week 19 despite snap share rising to 46%, confirming his role is overwhelmingly inline blocking. The inverse relationship — more snaps, fewer targets — signals a crystallizing career as a blocking TE rather than a fantasy-relevant pass-catcher.

Carolina's offense regressed in 2025 with lower PPG (18.3 vs 20.1) and passing yards (179.3 vs 187.5) despite continuity. The offense may struggle to support multiple fantasy-relevant pass catchers, with WR1 Tetairoa McMillan (6560 value) commanding primary target share.

At 22.9 years old, Evans is in prime value appreciation phase for TEs who typically peak 26-28. Extended runway to develop into a long-term asset.

Ja'Tavion Sanders remains on IR with ankle injury from late 2025. If recovery lingers or complications arise, Evans could enter 2026 as the primary receiving TE alongside blocker Tommy Tremble, significantly boosting his target opportunity and dynasty value.

Evans led the Panthers TE room in targets in multiple late-season games, including the playoff game against the Rams. Finished with 19 receptions on 21 targets for 171 yards and 2 TDs despite being listed as TE3, showing coaches trust him as a receiver.

Dave Canales frequently deploys multi-TE sets—Evans started 10 games and played 391 snaps as a rookie despite being TE3. Canales and TE coach Pat McPherson praised Evans' versatility as both blocker and receiver, suggesting expanded role in Year 2.

At 23, Evans is exactly the age where TE development begins to accelerate — the position typically peaks in the mid-to-late 20s. If he can expand his pass-catching role over the next 2-3 years, his youth gives him a legitimate long window.

Ja'Tavion Sanders has been listed as questionable heading into 2026 across multiple depth chart projections. If Sanders misses significant time, Evans is the next inline TE with established snap share and familiarity in the offense to absorb passing-down reps.

Young TE (23) — still in value appreciation phase