The Panthers believe Greg Olsen is poised for a big season without Jeremy Shockey on the roster to steal away catches.

In addition, the arrival of fullback Mike Tolbert should lighten Olsen's load as a blocker.

Ron Rivera believes "it's possible" Olsen could put up numbers similar to what Rob Gronkowski (Patriots) and Jimmy Graham (Saints) did last season.

"This will be his first real opportunity with us to step up and be the starting tight end and be the guy," Rivera said. "You watch him catch footballs and you watch him run routes and you see those traits that say you can fit right into that group. We're excited about it."