Mitchell Evans

Listed as No. 3 TE behind Tremble (starter) and Sanders despite late-season target volume surge. Sanders' ankle injury may be temporary; clarity on 2026 pecking order critical to Evans' long-term value.

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'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.

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.

Ja'Tavion Sanders' ankle injury creates immediate volume opportunity. If Sanders' recovery lingers into 2026, Evans could operate as the primary TE, significantly expanding his role and trade value.

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.

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.

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.