Off of the heels of a successful Hall of Fame Game performance, the Carolina Panthers looked to continue to roll heading into Buffalo. Unfortunately, things did not go according to plan.

Dave Canales set a range of 10-20 “good plays” he wanted to see from the starters, and most fans can agree that neither side but forth an effort to earn those good reps.

Carolina’s defense got gashed in the pass game, but was able to get consistent pressure on Josh Allen in the red zone. The offense, however, was a different story.

Between penalties and poor performances, Carolina’s starting unit went onto the brand new field at Buffalo’s new Highmark Stadium and converted a whopping zero first downs on three drives.

Bryce Young was pressured on seemingly every dropback, only going 3/5 for 18 yards and registering a sack. The run game got stuffed on 2/3 of Jonathon Brooks’ attempts, netting the talented back only five rushing yards in his first action since 2024.

Whether or not you want to debate if the sky is falling down for the team, there were real issues on display. Perhaps the most unfortunate part is that these issues have been discussed by fans throughout the past few seasons, and haven’t been adequately addressed.

Let’s take a look at some of Carolina’s biggest blunders in this contest.

Guard Depth

I’d like to preface this point by acknowledging the absence of starters Damien Lewis and Rob Hunt in this game. Having both starting guards likely would’ve made a difference in this contest.

The duo’s absence in this contest, however, is a key factor in the issue of Carolina’s guard depth. Hunt missed almost the entirety of last season, and Lewis has hardly practiced in training camp this year.

It isn’t a guarantee that both players will be healthy for all 17 regular season contests.

Once you get past those two on the depth chart, it starts to get pretty bad in a hurry. Brady Christensen has been a valuable backup, but is still coming off of an Achilles injury he suffered midway through last season. Hopefully he will return to form.

Carolina’s biggest problem is this area is their lack of development, particularly with fourth-year guard Chandler Zavala. Zavala is the only other remaining member of the 2023 Draft Class (Bryce Young).

Hailing from NC State where he played alongside Ickey Ekwonu, Zavala has spent the last three seasons as a backup guard for the Panthers, filling in for the infinite OL injuries the team has been subjected to.

Zavala’s play has mostly been below average to poor over that time frame, never really taking a step to push either guard starter for playing time.

He’s had his moments, like in the Hall of Fame Game, but against NFL-caliber starters, it hasn’t looked great. This wouldn’t be the biggest of issues if Zavala were OL10 or beyond, but currently he’s slated to be the primary backup at both guard spots.

If Hunt or Lewis miss extended periods of time, having Zavala be one of the lynchpin players along the offensive line does not bode well for the offense.

On Monday (8.17) the team tried him at center in practice, seemingly trying to find a positive role for the fourth-year guard. Center depth is less of a question with the acquisitions of Luke Fortner and Sam Hecht, but maybe that’s where Zavala can have a role.

This isn’t an exercise just to harp on Zavala, but rather point out that he is the key backup to a position already exposed to injury. If Carolina doesn’t bolster the interior offensive line depth, it could come back to haunt them mid-season.

Defensive Scheme

Carolina’s other main blemish in this contest was the defense, specifically the scheme.

Let me be clear - I’m not expecting Carolina to run a ton of post-snap movements, send fire blitzes every down, or try to do something too exotic in the preseason.

But can we stop doing stuff like this? Giving almost ten yards of cushion on a 4th and 3 is asking the other team if they’d like to convert for free.

This play is probably an extreme example, but the pass defense was consistently carved up throughout the afternoon. When the starters were in, both Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson seemed to be out of place, leading to big pass plays for Buffalo.

Again, it is just the preseason. But playing more soft zone looks will only lead to smart quarterbacks and coordinators carving the defense up.

Now that Carolina has invested in players like Phillips and Lloyd, the need to rely so heavily on zone needs to dwindle. Horn and Jackson are some of the best physical corners in the league - it’s time to let them man up more often.

Like the guard depth issues, the defensive scheme has been a point of contention among Panthers fans for the past few years. Hopefully with higher-paid and performing talent, more diverse calls can be implemented to try and disrupt offenses, rather than letting them disrupt the Panthers.

Good Stuff

While the game was largely a blowout, there were still bright spots for Panthers fans to cheer for:

• Jaelan Phillips played like he was worth every penny of his $30 million per year deal. In just a handful of pass rush snaps, Phillips recorded a couple pressures and his first sack as a Panther.

• Just like Phillips, Princely Umanmielen answered the call filling in for the injured Pat Jones II. Umanmielen fought past the Bills’ starting offensive line to pressure Josh Allen a few times as well, including the pressure that led to Phillips’ sack.

• Devin Lloyd also looks to be worth his deal, flying down to fit the run and looked rangy in coverage.

• Ja’Seem Reed and John Metchie III both continued to impress, each hauling in a touchdown. The back end of the receiver room will be heavily contested between the young receivers.

• Just like in Canton, Zakee Wheatley continued to fly around making plays in both the run and pass game. Wheatley could be an important contributor in the secondary this season.

• Finally, and perhaps most importantly, first round draft selection Monroe Freeling looked the part with the starters. During his first NFL reps, Freeling held his own against guys like Greg Rosseau and Bradley Chubb. If Freeling looks like this during some of his first snaps at right tackle in the NFL, the ceiling will be pretty high.

Looking Ahead to Jacksonville

Fortunately, the NFL is a week-to-week game, and Carolina will have a chance to put the Buffalo game in the rearview mirror in Jacksonville. The Panthers flew down to Florida and have begun their joint practices with the Jags as of Wednesday (8.19).

Jacksonville will present a unique challenge for this group. Liam Coen had the offense firing on all cylinders last season, and defensive play-caller Anthony Campanile brought new energy to the defense. This will be quite the litmus test for the Panthers.

Some of the things that I’d like to see include:

• How does Carolina’s offensive line hold up against the physical defensive front of Jacksonville? Particularly, how does Monroe Freeling fare against Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker?

• How will Evero’s defense attempt to contain a high-octane Jaguars offense? Now that he has the pieces at every level of the defense, can the scheme actually shut down a good offensive team?

• Which receivers will separate themselves? Jacksonville’s weaknesses on defense can allow for big gains downfield, so who among the receiver group can take a lead in the position battle?

• Devin Lloyd’s return to where he was drafted. Can Lloyd show both Jags and Panthers fans that his AP All-Pro selection last season was just the beginning?

Early returns from the joint practices do not look great according to social media.

For Carolina, hopefully they can rectify the mistakes over the next two days and into the preseason matchup against their fellow Class of ‘95 Jacksonville Jaguars. Another drubbing like what the team saw in Buffalo can’t happen.

Ultimately, this is still just training camp/preseason, but good teams practice how they play. If the Panthers want to avoid a third consecutive slow start to the season in the Morgan/Canales/Young era, then something has to change for the better.

Late Wednesday evening, the Panthers made a move. The team signed former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller to a one-year deal, bolstering a weak tight end room that was the source of much debate on social media.

Waller may be far-removed from his consecutive 1000-yard seasons, but he still has some juice left in the tank. Waller registered receptions in eight of his nine game with Miami last season, also hauling in six touchdowns.

Ironically, his best performance was arguably against Carolina in the Panthers’ Week 5 victory over the Dolphins.

I’m not certain Waller will find his former Oakland/Las Vegas form again with the Panthers. To be frank, I’m not even sure if Waller will end up contributing much, if at all this season.

What I am sure of, however, is that the Panthers brass have had a good look at the tight end group all offseason, and decided that there needed to be an infusion of talent.

Whether the group is disappointed in the progress of players like Mitchell Evans or Ja’Tavion Sanders (now 3rd on the unofficial depth chart), or the team was always going to look at adding a tight end, the change has been made.

Now that Carolina has made a move, they have shown a willingness to address areas that need clear improvement. This is a good thing, in my opinion, indicating a willingness that may not have been there in year’s past.

The problem, however, is that this team still has a few position groups that could use a similar injection of competition.

Let’s take a look at a few positions Carolina could still add some external help before the regular season begins.

Subscribe now

Edge Rusher

Following the season-ending injury to Nic Scourton, edge rusher is by far the position that needs help the most. As I mentioned in our review of the Hall of Fame Game, the Panthers reserve edge rushers were simply incapable of generating pressure on the Cardinals backups.

Combine this with the fact that the starters at that position, Pat Jones II and Jaelan Philips, aren’t exactly paragons of health. Edge rusher could become a massive problem in a hurry if the team doesn’t find adequate depth.

In August, no position group is going to have star free agents available, but luckily for Carolina, the market is robust with older veterans that could contribute in a rotational role.

Names like Haason Reddick and Yetur Gross-Matos are familiar with the Charlotte area, while other vets like Joey Bosa, Marcus Davenport, or Derek Barnett could also give a few snaps to the rotation.

Linebacker

Similar to the edge rusher position, Carolina added an extremely talented player in Devin Lloyd to be the guy in the linebacker room. After Lloyd, however, it gets pretty murky.

Currently, third-year linebacker Trevin Wallace is slated in as Lloyd’s running mate. This spot could change before the season starts, according to Dave Canales.

When your third-year Top 100 draft pick hasn’t taken the reins as a starter, it becomes a bit concerning.

After Wallace and Claudin Cherelus, whom he’s competing with to be the starter, the linebacker room is filled with undrafted free agents and 2026 7th round pick Jackson Kuwatch.

Also similar to the edge rusher market, there are a few names that could step in and quickly have a role with the team.

Bobby Okereke, Bobby Wagner, Germaine Pratt, and Logan Wilson could all reasonably provide good depth in the room. Fan-favorite Shaq Thompson is also currently a free agent after a year in Buffalo.

Despite all of the available names, this is probably the position I expect the least to be addressed. Edge rusher and the next group likely need more help, and Carolina likely can’t solve every problem at once.

Running Back*

This group may come as a surprise to some fans, considering the depth which the team deployed in the HOF Game and the incumbent players already on the team. However, Thursday morning, fans were hit with some tough news.

Starter Chuba Hubbard injured his hamstring and will likely miss the rest of the preseason.

If he’s expected to be back by Week One, adding a long-term rotation piece doesn’t seem likely. The Panthers probably could stand to add another back to handle some of the preseason, joint practice, and training camp practices, though.

With the hopeful emergence of Jonathon Brooks, and the utility that both Trevor Etienne and AJ Dillon bring, it’s hard to imagine needing a high-end Hubbard replacement in the interim.

Should Hubbard’s injury linger, I could see the team addressing it with a more prominent name. Alexander Mattison, Antonio Gibson, and Najee Harris are all players with good experience that could step in if the Panthers need to make a call.

NFL offseasons are always turbulent. One minute, a team might feel good about a certain position. The next, they might add a veteran tight end that just came out of retirement last year.

Whether or not Carolina chooses to address the aforementioned positions, it’s good to see a team that’s not only aware of their weaknesses, but is willing to to a chance to improve them.

If Waller can give this team 5-10 good routes every game, it’ll be more than what the Panthers got from the spot last year.

We’re so back.

After an incredible back-and-forth game from the Cardinals and the Panthers, undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King put on a show in the second half, leading Carolina to multiple scoring drives and the eventual game-winner as time expired.

While the score of this game ultimately doesn’t matter, it was an excellent showing for fans. This was definitely the most entertaining Hall of Fame Game that I can remember.

As I mentioned in our pre-game article, the main course of this meal was backups and rookies showing what they can do. King was the headliner of our names to watch, and he certainly did not disappoint.

However, there were more takeaways to focus on than just the stellar quarterback performance. Before we get into this week’s contest, let’s take a look at some of the key points from Carolina’s 1-0 start to the 2026 preseason.

Subscribe now

Quarterback Controversy?

Let’s be real, as much as some fans enjoyed King’s performance on Thursday, there is no controversy over who the starter will be this season.

I’m not sure that there’s controversy over the primary backup position, either. The Panthers made a concerted effort to get a veteran backup this offseason, and I doubt King is automatically QB2 bound just because of one great half of football.

Where the “controversy” lies in the team’s decision-making going forward is whether or not to use one of the 53 main roster spots on Haynes King this season.

Carolina has only rostered two quarterbacks over the first seasons of the Morgan/Canales era. Dave Canales stressed during the offseason that he’d like to have a young, developmental backup, but the idea likely included King being on the practice squad to start the year.

After King's performance in Canton, however, that plan may not be possible.

Another wrinkle in this process is King injuring his hamstring on the final play of the game. If King’s sample is limited to only his HOF Game tape, which is pretty good, the team will have an even tougher decision.

Hopefully we get to see more of King, who was able to show off what he can do with his arm, throughout the rest of the preseason.

Other HOF Game Notes

• The trench play on both sides of the ball was hit-or-miss. Carolina’s offensive line struggled early against the Cardinals’ veteran-laden front, but settled once King took over

• Carolina’s defensive line was the bigger worry. Aside from an up-and-down performance against the run, the unit didn’t generate much pressure on the quarterbacks. The edge rusher rotation was particularly disappointing

• Defensive back was another wishy-washy position in this game. Will Lee III made a big play early with a 3rd down PBU, but followed it up with falling to every double move the Cardinals threw at him. Fellow rookie Zakee Wheatley put on a show, fitting the run and displaying NFL-level range on the backend

• By far the most impressive position group were the receivers. John Metchie III, Ja’Seem Reed, and Jimmy Horn Jr. all came alive at some point to make plays both as receivers, and in the return game. All three players showed that they will be worth keeping once cut day comes around

  ---

Starters Playing In Buffalo

Last week was fun, but Saturday against the Bills will be the first chance to see the starters in action. Dave Canales indicated that he wanted the starters to have about 10-20 plays, similar to what the group did during last year’s preseason games.

The range from ten to twenty plays seems to mean that Canales wants the team to put forth one good drive or a few drives where the offense can move the chains and the defense can make things difficult for Buffalo.

Fans will look forward to seeing a lot of the favorites get their time on Saturday, but one player has the chance to make a huge impression - not just for the fanbase but for the coaching staff.

This will be Jonathon Brooks’ first snaps since the 2024 season. When asked about the plan for Brooks on Saturday, Dave Canales sounding incredibly optimistic:

“Absolutely…He’s in great shape, he’s ready to rock, he’s ready to play football. And so now that’s just the next part of it, and, you know, he’ll play with the first group. He’ll mix in and out with Chuba and we’ll be able to get a good look at those guys…”

- Dave Canales when asked about Brooks’ availability against Buffalo

Despite the additions over the past few seasons, the Panthers offense still lacks explosive ability and juice. If Brooks is healthy and moves like he was a Texas a few seasons ago, he can be a source of explosive plays this team desperately needs.

Brad Idzik’s First Real Test

Last Thursday’s contest was the first time Brad Idzik called a complete game, and he did a pretty good job. While the offense was mainly vanilla concepts, he showed some wrinkles that highlighted the strengths of his players, especially giving Haynes King good opportunities.

Buffalo will be the first time Idzik gets the chance to call plays for Bryce Young and the starters since becoming the full time guy. With the 10-20 play range in mind, this will be a great opportunity for the Idzik/Young connection to grow over a few drives.

I don’t think any fan expects Idzik to empty the playbook this week for the starters, but the rhythm and cadence between play-caller and quarterback should be on display in this game.

The most ideal outcome would be no procedural penalties for the offense, as well as Idzik giving the group one or two chances to air it out. Having command of the offense while the starters are in the game is good enough for me.

Can We Get Some Pressure?

Perhaps the most disappointing result from the Hall of Fame Game was the lack of pressure on Arizona’s third (a rookie) and fourth string quarterbacks.

Despite winning the sack battle (two to Arizona’s one), the defensive front allowed time for multiple deep shots that were converted, and almost routinely were gashed in the run game.

Understandably, there weren’t many exotic looks, stunts, or blitzes from the second level, but the group still didn’t force the quarterbacks into making bad decisions.

This week, fans and the Panthers coaches alike will probably want to see more from the defensive front. If the Bills play their starters to counter Carolina’s, it’ll be the best possible litmus test for the defensive line trying to bring down Josh Allen.

Pass rush has long been an issue in Carolina, and if the team doesn’t find depth that stands out in the upcoming preseason contests, the team may need to look externally for answers.

Just like with last week’s game, the final score doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of this season. What does matter is how well the starters are able to come out of the gate, and how well the depth players continue to play within the Panthers system.

It would be nice if Carolina continued their winning streak, but ultimately, Idzik meshing with the starters is far more important.

As you might have heard, the Carolina Panthers will take part in the season opener in Canton, Ohio. Franchise Legend Luke Kuechly is set to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday, and later, his Panthers will take the field.

While the Hall of Fame Game typically doesn’t produce jaw-dropping numbers or insane highlights, there are always storylines and intriguing players to follow.

With the Panthers set to take the field later tonight, here are some of the most important things fans should keep their eyes on.

Subscribe now

Haynes King…and Kenny Pickett

As expected, Dave Canales announced that all of the listed starters, including Bryce Young, will not participate in the team’s first preseason game. That opens the door for backup Kenny Pickett to get some reps.

Pickett will get his reps, and we largely know what the former Super Bowl champ can do. The real highlight of the Panthers quarterbacking will be Haynes King.

King started his college career at Texas A&M before transferring to Georgia Tech for his final three seasons. King’s calling card at GT was being a true dual-threat option that could cause real issues with his legs.

Given that newly-appointed Offensive Coordinator Brad Idzik will likely want to keep the “real plays” close to the vest in the preseason, King will have the opportunity to show off his improvisational abilities in this contest.

King noted in his media availability on Tuesday that this is an opportunity to show off what he can do - not just for the Panthers - but for all 32 teams across the league.

What we’ll be looking for at SportCLT will be King’s ability to connect on passes downfield, something that fellow backup option Kenny Pickett struggles to do effectively.

Fans should also look to see any QB sneaks/short runs that the team dials up for King. With QB sneaks being something the team wants the 5’9” Bryce Young to shy away from, King could carve out an early role as a short yardage specialist if he succeeds during the HOF Game.

Ja’Seem Reed and Co.

Like Young, Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and Xavier Legette will all sit out of this contest. Given the injury to Chris Brazzell II, there are quite a few spots open at the receiver position.

Of course, the battles for WR4 and onwards will continue throughout the preseason, but tonight’s game will be a good first look at how players like Jimmy Horn Jr. and John Metchie III can make their quarterbacks’ lives easier.

One name at the receiver position that has garnered a lot of attention during the summer is Ja’Seem Reed. The former San Diego Torero spent his rookie season on Carolina’s practice squad last year, and has had flashes throughout this year’s camp.

Fans always find smaller names to root for during camp, but Reed has made real impressions among his peers.

With the aforementioned injuries to the position, Reed has a real chance to carve out a role for himself, not too dissimilar to what Jalen Coker did two years ago. Reed also has the potential to bring something to the table that the Panthers offense lacks - downfield juice.

If Reed is able to impress with Pickett and King throwing him the ball, he will likely earn himself reps with the 1s during the other preseason matchups and joint practices.

The Panthers need all the help they can get in the pass-catching department, and Reed is the name to watch as the receiver battles start in the HOF Game.

Defensive Line and Edge Rusher Depth

Carolina’s defensive front depth has been decimated to start the year. Turk Wharton’s timeline is up in the air as he recovers from neck surgery, Bobby Brown III just started practicing this week, and sturdy depth piece LaBryan Ray has chosen to retire after being with the team the last few seasons.

Along the edge, breakout star Nic Scourton is also lost for the season.

Now that we know that rookie QB Carson Beck is slated to start for Arizona, we’re going to need to see some sacks.

The DL rotation including Lee Hunter, Cam Jackson (who is currently listed as the team’s starting nose tackle), and Aaron Hall should be able to get pressure on the young quarterback.

Cam Jackson’s emergence could be huge for the Panthers this season. The former fifth round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft played sparingly last season, but has the frame and tools to be a big impact player in the middle of the defensive line.

Jackson and Hunter should be a fun competition and a strong rotation that fits well with Derrick and Bobby Brown.

Undrafted free agent Aaron Hall also has a huge opportunity in this game. LaBryan Ray often occupied the DL5/6 spot, contributing to the rotation and on special teams. If Hall impresses, there’s a good chance he follows in Ray’s footsteps.

As far as the edge rushers go, Cam Gill is a name that could surprise fans during the preseason.

Gill has spent time in Carolina before, but most recently was named the UFL Defensive Player of the Year for the 2026 season. This past season, Gill amassed a league-leading 10 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery across 10 regular season contests.

A newly-reinvigorated Cam Gill, coming off of a historic year in the United Football League, could be a name to keep an eye on in the wake of Nic Scourton’s absence.

Defensive Back Rotation

Other than receiver, the position that is likely most-contested during the preseason will be the defensive back rotation. We all know Horn, Jackson, Moehrig, and (likely) Nick Scott will be the team’s four main starters in the defensive backfield.

But who will man the slot/nickel corner spot?

Nickel corner was a position that fluctuated for the Panthers last season. Chau Smith-Wade began the year as the starter, but ceded the position to rookie undrafted free agent Corey Thornton midway through the season.

Notably, Carolina also drafted former Texas A&M DB Will Lee III in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, while also adding UDFA DeVonta Smith (no, not that one) from Notre Dame.

Lee gives the team the ability to man up more on the boundary, allowing someone like Jaycee Horn to play more in the slot. Horn often thrived in the slot early in his career under the play-calling of Phil Snow.

There’s a good chance that we see a lot of Lee, Thornton, Smith-Wade, and Smith during tonight’s contest. It’s less likely that they’ll face some of Arizona’s big names, like Trey McBride or Marvin Harrison Jr, but the DBs will all get their shot to make some plays.

With Beck throwing the ball, there’s a good chance an interception will be up for grabs.

While it might be cool to the fans if the Panthers get the win, the final score ultimately doesn’t matter. This game is to kick off the season, and highlight two phenomenal players enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

What does matter in this contest are the plays that each player makes. This is the first of many opportunities against other competition for players along the fringe of the roster to show that they belong.

Now that the six-month drought without football games is nearing it’s end, SportCLT will be putting forth a few newsletters every week:

• The first will be reviewing the previous game, breaking down the result and key moments along the way, courtesy of NFL Pro.

• Next will be a draft-centric piece, highlighting some of the breakout players at the college level that fans should keep an eye on heading into the 2027 NFL Draft.

• Lastly, SportCLT will be previewing each contest prior to kickoff, detailing important matchups and keys for the Panthers to nail in order to pull off a win.

I (Jacob) want to personally thank readers for subscribing to SportCLT, and look forward to providing more Carolina Panthers contest for the fastest-growing Charlotte sports coverage in the game.

Enjoy the Hall of Fame Game, and Keep Pounding.

This article was last updated following GM Dan Morgan’s pre-camp presser on Wednesday, 7.22 ~ 12:15pm EST

Usually, the time between post-draft minicamps and training camp is a boring time for NFL fans. Luckily this summer, the 2026 World Cup was able to hold it down and bring the excitement.

After Spain defeated Argentina on Sunday in MetLife Stadium, however, it’s time to turn the attention back to the American variant of football.

For Carolina, training camp is here. By the time you’re reading this, the Panthers will have already reported for camp.

Rookies need to be in town on July 21st, and veterans will show up the next day. Practice is slated to start later in the week.

With real NFL action just a few days away, let’s take a look at everything fans need to know about Carolina’s 2026 Training Camp.

Own a Charlotte-area business and interested in sponsoring SportCLT content (posts, podcasts, or interactive guides/games)? Become a partner today by filling out our form, linked here.

When Is It?

As stated above, everyone will have reported to camp by July 22nd. Practices, preseason games, and fan events will continue until the end of training camp in August. The timeline looks something like this:

• July 21 - Rookies report to camp

• July 22 - Veteran players report to camp

• July 23 - First scheduled practice

• July 31 - Fan Fest

• Aug. 6 - Hall of Fame Game in Canton, OH

• Aug. 15 - Preseason Game 1 in Buffalo

• Aug. 19 - Joint Practice with Jacksonville

• Aug. 21 - Preseason Game 2 in Jacksonville

• Aug. 26 - Joint Practice with Houston

• Aug. 28 - Preseason Game 3 vs. Houston

Over the next month or so, Carolina will be getting back into the swing of things. Between practices, joint practices with other teams, and four preseason contests, the Panthers will be busy over the next four or five weeks.

With the Panthers slow starts over the last few seasons, having as much possible exposure in training camp and the preseason is only a good thing.

Hopefully, two joint practices and four preseason contests will carry over into the regular season debut vs. Chicago.

What’s Brad Idzik Bringing?

Perhaps the person that could benefit the most from extra preseason reps is new offensive play-caller Brad Idzik.

Idzik has been in lockstep with Dave Canales for years, but now has his shot to be an NFL play-caller. Earlier this offseason, Canales announced that Idzik would be taking the reins in that department.

While Idzik has called plays in the preseason before, it’s a bit different when he’s the man in charge. The next four to five weeks will be paramount for Idzik to get his timing, cadence, and relationship with Bryce Young up to speed.

In terms of the actual plays being called, don’t expect too much of a difference compared to how Canales sequenced plays.

The only major difference I anticipate with Idzik being the play-caller, is that Dave Canales will be free to focus on the game as a whole. A more agnostic view of the game may lead to Canales being more comfortable with Idzik letting it loose and calling more home run plays.

New Associate Head Coach Darrell Bevell will also be helpful for Idzik as he navigates this new chapter. Bevell has a bevy of NFL experience as a play-caller, and has likely already given Idzik pointers regarding to play-calling process.

Camp Battles

One of the highlights of training camp are the position battles. Throughout the process, Carolina will go from 90+ players down to a roster of 53 following cut day. Camp battles are an important part of determining both starters and depth.

For the Panthers, there are quite a few position battles that need to play out. The team is good enough to have most of their starters in place, but a few key spots stand out.

Left Tackle

In free agency, the Panthers added former Packer Rasheed Walker to help fortify left tackle after Ickey Ekwonu’s injury. Since then, the team also drafted Georgia OT Monroe Freeling in the first round.

This is probably the most consequential position battle, as the winner will handle protecting Bryce Young’s blindside in a year where the team wants to go back to the playoffs.

**Not only is the left tackle spot in question, but the Panthers will likely have the loser of this battle starting at right tackle in Week 1.

On Tuesday, 7.21, Panthers fans learned that Taylor Moton will miss training camp and the start of the season with blood clots in his lung. Moton has been a steadying presence for close to a decade, so whoever steps up will have big shoes to fill.

For our overall thoughts and potential replacements for Moton in the interim, check out this article**

WR3 and Beyond

After reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan and recently-extended Jalen Coker, the receiver corps have no standout players.

Xavier Legette should have the inside track to the WR3 spot, having been on the team the last two seasons. However, fan-favorite Chris Brazzell II brings a vertical speed element that this team lacks.

Both players should see the field often this season, but expect Xavier Legette to have the early lead to start as the third receiver in base 11 personnel.

The bottom of the receiver room will be heavily contested as well. All of David Moore, Brycen Tremayne, Jimmy Horn Jr, and John Metchie III have reasons to make the squad. Preseason and joint practice reps will be important to watch.

Slot/Nickel Defensive Back

On the defensive side of the ball, Carolina has done a good job fortifying areas that needed improvement. Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd should bring the juice in the front seven, but the defensive backfield still has questions.

Nick Scott returns and should be the fellow starting safety alongside Tre’von Moehrig, but the slot corner position is still up for grabs.

Last season, former fifth round pick Chau Smith-Wade started the year in the pole position, but eventually undrafted rookie Corey Thornton took the lead before suffering a season-ending leg injury against San Francisco.

Those two, along with rookie fourth rounder Will Lee III, will compete for the third DB/corner spot. Thornton likely has the early lead, but camp battles are battles for a reason.

With Jaycee Horn suffering a foot laceration prior to camp, there will likely be even more reps to go around for the young corners on the roster.

Center

Another offensive line position that could be contested is the center spot. Both Luke Fortner and Sam Hecht are new additions, and should be able to compete to be the guy that replaces Cade Mays.

Fortner should initially have the inside track to start here, but many draft evaluators had Hecht as someone that could potentially be an early starter in the NFL.

Regardless, it will be good to have two serviceable players at a position that’s been an issue for the past few seasons.

Core Four Teamers

There’s a reason the Panthers were able to sneak into the playoffs last season despite wielding a losing record. Wins along the margins, especially on special teams, can do wonders for a team in close games.

Carolina’s front office agrees with this, and made a concerted effort to bring back multiple key special teams players. Some of those names include LB Isaiah Simmons, EDGE Thomas Incoom, P Sam Martin, CB Akayleb Evans, and LS JJ Jansen.

Bringing back key contributors on kickoff/punt returns/coverages is what a smart team does. The issue for Carolina, however, is that this roster is finally in a position to have high-level specialists at their positions on offense and defense.

It’s hard to hold so many key special teamers when the roster is capped at 53 players.

Adding players like Phillips and Lloyd pushes players down a rung on the pecking order, leading to some of the competition for players who excel on special teams.

Keep an eye on players like Tremayne and Incoom, core four special teams players that can also provide some juice on offense and defense, respectively.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

Camp battles and new play-calling may be the main events of training camp, but there are a few more topics that warrant a bit of discussion before the players pop pads.

Brady Christensen

Last week, Carolina agreed to bring back the versatile OL for another season in the Process Blue. Christensen is coming off of an Achilles injury sustained during Week 8 of last season, but has cleared his rehab stage and is ready to roll.

With the news regarding Taylor Moton’s status, Carolina needs offensive line depth now more than ever. Christensen has played at all five OL positions during his time with the Panthers, and should be ready to fill in for either guard or tackle spot when necessary.

Undrafted Rookie Free Agent Pushes

During both of Dan Morgan’s first two seasons at the helm of the Panthers, the team has ended up keeping multiple undrafted free agents on the main roster.

In 2024, WR Jalen Coker and DB Demani Richardson made the team. Coker has since gotten his big payday.

Last season, LB Bam Martin-Scott, CB Corey Thornton, and K Ryan Fitzgerald all had key contributions for the team. Thornton and Fitzgerald even look to be starters in 2026.

If the trend follows, at least two UDFAs will make the 53-man squad. It’ll be tougher this season, considering the Panthers roster isn’t one of the worst in the league anymore, but there are a few interesting names to keep an eye on.

Duke DL Aaron Hall is probably the most likely to stick around. From all accounts, Hall impressed during the spring camp period, and with Tershawn Wharton out indefinitely with a neck injury, the team needs to add some defensive line depth.

Fellow starter Bobby Brown III will also start training camp on the NFI (non-football injury) list, creating even more reps for Hall.

The other guy that has a fighter’s chance to make the team is former Georgia Tech QB Haynes King. Dave Canales has long intimated wanting a young, developmental backup quarterback option, and King fits that mold.

King also brings size and a rushing ability that could eventually be useful in sub-packages, something that Bryce Young and new backup Kenny Pickett lack.

The retirement of QB3 Will Grier also gives King the inside track to more reps in the preseason. If King is able to impress, Carolina may feel he is worth one of their 53 main contracts.

Joint Practices/Preseason

Preseason game outcomes don’t count for anything in the grand scheme of things, but seeing better performances in the games and joint practices is something both the fans and team wants to see.

Carolina has not had stellar preseason performances over the past few seasons. However, this is the most talented Panthers team since the end of the Rivera/Newton era in the late 2010s.

Joint practices with two playoff teams from last season, along with an extra preseason game, should have this group in better shape heading into the season than they have been over the first years of the Canales/Young era.

In summary, this is one of Carolina’s more important training camps in recent history. Sure, we say this every season, but there are actual expectations now. The Panthers aren’t a bottom three roster anymore.

If the Panthers want to follow up their first postseason appearance in a decade with an equally impressive season, it starts now - in training camp.

On the eve of training camp’s veteran report day, the Panthers and their fanbase were hit with some tough news. Stalwart right tackle Taylor Moton was diagnosed with blood clots, and is slated to miss some time.

Star CB Jaycee Horn also opens camp on the NFI (non-football injury) list with a foot laceration. Horn is expected to return at some point during camp, however.

Moton’s timetable is a bit different. Blood clots are not something to scoff at, and can often require prolonged treatment.

The good news is the team reported that they found the issue in late June. Moton is reported to have responded well to treatment, and is receiving daily assessments from the team’s staff.

With Moton slated to miss training camp and at least the beginning of the regular season, the question of right tackle has appeared for the Panthers.

Carolina already was slated to have some left tackle camp battles between Rasheed Walker and first round pick Monroe Freeling. Now, they’ll have to evaluate the other side of the line as well.

Potential Starters at Right Tackle

The aforementioned camp battle between Rasheed Walker and Monroe Freeling will likely determine the Week 1 starter at left tackle, but it could also show who the starting right tackle could be.

It stands to reason that Walker, who has started across the offensive line in the NFL and Freeling, who was cross-trained at both left and right tackle in spring camp, could both see time starting on the right side of the line.

I wouldn’t put it past the team to start whoever loses the left tackle battle at right tackle - Walker and Freeling are probably the best pure tackles on the roster.

Carolina also recently brought back Brady Christensen, who has had experience playing at all five spots along the line. Christensen, who played tackle in college, could step in as the early favorite to play at right tackle if the team wants to bring Freeling along solely as a guy on the left side.

Stone Forsythe was a name the Panthers signed early in free agency this March, though fans may not want to see him suit him for many starting reps if they can help it.

After those four, the names currently on the Panthers roster don’t really track to be great options to start at right tackle.

Carolina could look into the free agent market, which currently has a handful of veterans that could sign one-year deals, similar to what Rasheed Walker did back in March.

More-experienced names like Jonah Williams, Taylor Decker, Jack Conklin, and Cam Robinson currently top the OL free agent market.

Each of those players would likely command a significant deal for a July/August free agent signing, but the Panthers may be in a position where they feel as though it’s necessary to add such player(s).

What does that mean for the rest of the OL?

As it stands, Carolina looks to be without their incumbent starters at both left (Ickey Ekonwu, patellar tendon) and right (Moton) tackles to start the year.

Assuming the outcome of the Walker/Freeling left tackle battle also produces the starting right tackle, Carolina’s OL depth takes a significant hit.

After those two, it’s really just Brady Christensen who you’d feel good about stepping in as a swing tackle, and Brady has filled in more for the interior OL depth, which is also lacking.

Dan Morgan and his staff were prudent in adding two OL in the draft and signing Walker in free agency, but the depth of the OL is already low. Even if the Panthers don’t want to give out top dollar to some of the earlier names, it’s probably worth investing in more overall OL depth before the season starts.

With both Ickey Ekwonu and now Taylor Moton expected to be absent to start the year, Carolina’s OL depth is off to an almost catastrophic start - and we’re still two weeks away from even the start of the preseason.

We’re wishing Taylor Moton a healthy and hasty recovery, but as it pertains to the current Panthers roster, the team may have some reinforcements they need to find before a lengthy training camp and preseason.

Own a Charlotte-area business and interested in sponsoring SportCLT content (posts, podcasts, or interactive guides/games)? Become a partner today by filling out our form, linked here.

If you asked 100 people what the most important position on offense is other than the quarterback, I’d be willing to bet that more than 50 of them would say left tackle.

Panthers fans know the struggles of not having a reliable left tackle, the revolving door following Jordan Gross was not kind to Carolina’s quarterbacks over the years.

Back when the 2022 NFL Draft rolled around, Carolina thought they had finally solved this issue.

With the Sixth Overall Pick, the team selected offensive tackle Ikem “Ickey” Ekwonu, from local N.C. State. This was the highest pick Carolina made since adding Cam Newton back in 2011.

Ekwonu’s selection was meant to finally put an end to the left tackle issues that plagued this team. And, for a while, it looked to have paid off.

After a baptism by fire in Ekwonu’s first career start, the young left tackle gradually improved his play over the course of the last four seasons.

In fact, Carolina felt confident enough in Ekwonu’s improvement to have picked up his rookie fifth year option, allowing for potential long-term negotiations to take place.

Unfortunately, all of this positive momentum came to a halt in Carolina’s playoff loss to the L.A. Rams. Early in the game, Ekwonu suffered a ruptured patellar tendon - a significant injury with a lengthy return process.

The initial timeline for Ekwonu’s recovery was set at six to twelve months, which meant a lot of uncertainty for the future of the left tackle position.

Subscribe now

During the offseason, Carolina had a clear mission to address the near and distant future of the left tackle position.

In free agency, Dan Morgan and Co. landed OT (offensive tackle) Rasheed Walker on a one-year deal from the Green Bay Packers. Walker has had plenty of NFL game experience and can start if needed.

Then, in the NFL Draft, the Panthers added a SportCLT favorite target for the team in Georgia OT Monroe Freeling. While he’s a bit inexperienced in terms of starts, Freeling has traits that are impossible to find unless you draft them early.

So what happens to Ekwonu now? During mandatory minicamp, Head Coach Dave Canales seemed optimistic about Ekwonu’s chances at returning this season:

“I’m not going to give a specific timeline on Ickey, we expect him back at some point in the season. He’s crushing it, week in and week out, and he’s excited about it…the athletic trainers are excited about his progress right now”

- Dave Canales on Ekwonu’s recovery timetable

It’s excellent news if Ekwonu is able to return at some point during the 2026 season. With reinforcements in place at left tackle, however, it’ll be interesting to see where Ickey would suit up.

The way I see it, there are four potential paths for Ekwonu’s career moving forward, provided he makes a full recovery:

• Left tackle

• Guard

• Right tackle

• Play for another organization

Through the rest of this piece, I’ll be looking at what each path would mean for Ickey, from a likelihood and a contract standpoint.

First, we need to look at the current roster. Below is the entire offensive line room courtesy of Ourlads.

Ekwonu will almost certainly begin the season on IR or PUP, giving Freeling or Walker his starting spot. If/when he returns healthy to the lineup, that’s when the discussion can begin.

Left Tackle

It’s going to be tough for Ekwonu to regain his spot as the starter. Carolina drafted Monroe Freeling for that reason - multiple times this offseason the team has stated they aren’t interested in adding backups in Round 1.

Even if Freeling doesn’t win the starting LT (left tackle) job in training camp, which I expect he will, Rasheed Walker has enough experience at LT to keep the offense running smoothly.

In fact, I’d go as far as to say that Walker’s pass protection at LT has been better than Ekwonu’s as of late. According to ESPN’s Pass Block Win Rate, Walker was the 11th best pass-blocking tackle in the entire NFL during the 2025 season.

Ultimately, unless disaster strikes or Monroe Freeling really disappoints during his rookie season, the spots just aren’t there for Ekwonu to be the current or future starter at left tackle.

As a pending unrestricted free agent, left tackle would get Ekwonu the highest payday. However, it may not be the likeliest spot for Ekwonu to stick around.

Guard

Guard might be better for Ekwonu’s chances at sticking around in Carolina.

Currently, the team has both spots locked down tight with Lewis and Hunt. The issue is that Robert Hunt is on the wrong side of 30. And very expensive.

As of today, Robert Hunt has the largest cap hit on the entire Panthers roster, according to Over the Cap. Hunt will be making $34.9 million for his services in 2026.

His play softens the financial blow a good bit, but we’re coming off of a season in which Hunt was injured in Week 2, and didn’t return until Carolina’s playoff game.

Going forward, Hunt could become a cap casualty if he doesn’t stay fully healthy.

This is where Ekwonu comes in.

During the 2022 NFL Draft process, many evaluators, myself included, entertained the thought of Ekwonu playing along the interior of the offensive line at some point in his career.

Ekwonu’s powerful frame lends itself to being able to hold up against the heavier and stronger interior rushers. At guard, Ekwonu also wouldn’t have to worry about getting beat in space, which has continued to be one of his weaknesses.

If Ekwonu is willing to stick around through this season, re-signing on a modest deal, he could eventually be the Robert Hunt replacement - still making good money and sticking with the hometown team.

As for potentially replacing Damien Lewis, the play that fans saw last year from Lewis might warrant an extension. He’s a year younger than Hunt and has been very reliable throughout his tenure in Carolina.

Guard might end up being Ekwonu’s best bet at sticking around in Carolina, but there’s still another position he could help address in the long term.

Right Tackle

It’s no secret that Taylor Moton is getting up there in age. Despite signing a recent extension and Moton’s statement this offseason that he isn’t ready to call it quits, he can’t play at an elite level forever.

“Retirement’s not on my mind right now”

- Taylor Moton on playing in 2026

The 32 year-old tackle has been a steadying presence on the right side of the offensive line for almost a decade, and the hope is that he continues to do so.

If Carolina’s staff, however, wants to have a long-term replacement plan in place, there probably isn’t a better answer than Ekwonu.

While he’s primarily been on the left side of the line, Ickey Ekwonu’s size and familiarity within the Panthers system can give him a leg up on any potential position changes.

For Ekwonu, right tackle could be a good contractual situation as well. While right tackles don’t get paid as much as left tackles traditionally, the gap has started to close within recent years.

Being a short-term swing offensive lineman and eventually Carolina’s long-term answer at right tackle could be a lucrative way to stay in Charlotte.

New Team

All of the above scenarios require some “what-ifs” to pull off. What could become the reality of Carolina’s offensive line is that Freeling plays well, the guards continue to be stable, and Taylor Moton’s play is timeless.

If this this the case, Ekwonu’s career might be best served for another organization.

As painful as it would be to see another former 1st Round Pick be traded away from Carolina, if the team is able to net a substantial return, WITH the savings against the cap that Ekwonu would have cost, I think the team would have to consider it.

It’s rare that starting-caliber offensive linemen are ever available for trade, especially within the season. If a team offers Carolina a Day 2 draft selection, that’s a hard price to ignore.

Another reality could be that Ekwonu and his representation want to test free agency. As mentioned above, Ekwonu would have been on his rookie fifth year option - with no current contract extension in place.

Hitting free agency as a starting left tackle would likely give Ekwonu multiple suitors - provided his health checks out.

However, as Panthers fans saw with the Rasheed Walker deal (1 year, ~ $4 million), the market may not be as favorable as a possible extension with your current team.

There are a lot of potential paths for Ickey Ekwonu moving forward. Ideally Carolina is able to keep a home-grown talent, but if other teams call, it might be hard for the Panthers and Ekwonu to ignore.

The best thing we can hope is that Ickey returns to full strength, and wherever he ends up, continues to be the absolute mauler of a tackle that we’ve come to enjoy.

This is a big year for the Panthers 2024 Draft Class.

Xavier Legette has yet to live up to his first-round billing, Trevin Wallace will have an All-Pro linebacker next to him, and JT Sanders looks to bounce back after a disappointing sophomore season.

Perhaps the player with the most on the line from that class is running back Jonathon Brooks.

The former Longhorn was a highly sought-after player for Carolina, so much so that the team traded up to select him in 2024.

After a long recovery from his ACL tear in college, Brooks debuted against the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately, after only nine carries through three games, Brooks would re-tear the same ACL (right knee), marking two tears in 13 months.

Subsequently, Brooks did not play at all during the 2025 season.

It’s always tough coming back from a major injury as a professional athlete, but Brooks’ case is one of the extremes. Having multiple ACL tears is not something seen often among NFL players.

Carolina fans aren’t strangers to a player with consecutive ACL tears. Franchise legend Thomas Davis tore his ACL in three straight seasons from 2009 to 2011. Davis eventually would come back even stronger and become the paragon of resilience and perseverance for an eventual Super Bowl team.

Like Davis before his return, Brooks has taken a full calendar year of rest and recovery. It certainly seems to have been worth it, as Brooks has attacked the spring/summer programs at full speed.

Brooks even hinted at adding some muscle during his non-football time, giving him an extra edge for when he returns.

That leads to the question of the day: What should the expectation for Jonathon Brooks look like?

It may not be a given that Brooks returns to his 2023 form, but if he does, the Panthers will be adding a real game-changer to the backfield.

Almost two years of no on-camera reps may have diminished fans’ knowledge of just how good Brooks is at full speed. For lack of a better term, he’s that dude.

Carolina hasn’t had a player in the room like this since Christian McCaffrey. I’m not saying Brooks will ever reach CMC’s heights, simply that Brooks can be a Pro Bowl-caliber player.

Just take a look at his stats. Below are the ten games in which Brooks was the featured player in the Longhorns’ backfield in 2023.

1139 rushing yards through ten contests. Not too shabby. Brooks also added 286 receiving yards on 25 receptions as well.

It isn’t a mistake that Brooks racked up these yards, either. The talented back possesses high-end speed, burst, and vision, allowing him to find the hole and go.

Brooks also displayed good contact balance, which might increase if he added a substantial amount of muscle from his college days.

From my own draft notes in 2024:

“Brooks is, in my opinion, the most complete running back in this class. He has little flaws and his strengths are outstanding. If he can pop back from his injury at full strength, Brooks should easily be a [starter] on most teams.”

It seems like Carolina agreed with this sentiment at the time, as they traded up to make him the first running back selected in the class.

The question remains, what should we expect from Brooks this season?

Carolina probably isn’t in any mood to immediately give Brooks the 20+ carries per game he saw in college.

Returning from injury aside, the Panthers also still employ Chuba Hubbard, who is a leader in the locker room and the running back room. The team also has 2025 4th round pick, Trevor Etienne, and signed veteran AJ Dillon this offseason.

Last season, the Panthers mainly operated with a two-back rotation featuring the aforementioned Hubbard and Rico Dowdle. To start the season, Hubbard got the lion’s share of the carries, but following Dowdle’s back-to-back 200-yard outbursts in Weeks 5 and 6, the balance started to shift.

In fact, from Week 9 and beyond, Hubbard only got double-digit carries twice (both against the Rams), while Dowdle was the featured player.

I think this is a good way to try to project Jonathon Brooks’ role for this upcoming season.

Considering the team will want to ramp up his workload, Brooks may have a similar start to the year as Dowdle did last season, mainly operating in relief roles for Hubbard.

With an early bye week this year (Week 5), Carolina can take their time and bring Brooks along at a comfortable pace. If Brooks looks good at NFL speed and within the Carolina offense, his workload will likely increase down the stretch.

Ultimately, if Brooks maintains a clean bill of health, the sky is the limit for the young running back. We have to remember that from a mileage standpoint, this is basically Brooks’ rookie season. He likely won’t get the majority of the available carries, but Brooks could hit the ground running.

If I were to put an actual numbered prediction out there for Brooks, I’d like to imagine he gets somewhere between 600-800 rushing yards and 4-6 touchdowns.

This might be on the low end if things turn out well, but this team values what Chuba Hubbard brings to the table and will give him the chance to lose the starting job.

Any production from Jonathon Brooks would be a win at this point. If he gets back to the player the Panthers traded up for in 2024, Carolina will be looking at a massive upgrade in the rush game.

One of the biggest weaknesses of the Carolina Panthers rosters over the last half decade has been the team’s casts of receivers.

This group hasn’t really been a strength since the 2020 season, a year marred by empty stadiums due to COVID-19, Carolina turning over their coaching staff, and new Panthers QB Teddy Bridgewater throwing for a then career-high 15 touchdowns.

That season, Bridgewater benefitted from DJ Moore and Robbie Chosen (formerly Anderson) both adding 1000+ receiving yards, as well as Curtis Samuel and Mike Davis combining for over 1000 scrimmage yards.

Star running back Christian McCaffrey appeared in three contests as well, adding 149 receiving yards.

Subscribe now

Since that season, Carolina has had receiving rooms consisting of players that failed to stand out in a big way. However, there are two exceptions to note.

DJ Moore prior to being traded to Chicago had one year after 2020 where he added 1000+ yards. Adam Thielen also hauled in over 1000 yards in 2023.

The trend of few and far between impactful receivers ended last season with the selection of Tetairoa McMillan. TMac not only set the record for receiving yards in Carolina history, but also brought home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

It’s safe to say the Panthers have their WR1 of the present and future. Alongside McMillan, Jalen Coker had a breakout game in the playoffs, hauling in nine catches for 134 yards and a score. Former first-round pick Xavier Legette also has potential waiting to be unlocked.

Now that training camp is approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to look at the wide receiver room and try to guess which players will make the 53-man roster come September.

Last season, Carolina kept seven receivers following the final roster cut. Throughout the season, however, the team would eventually carry only six. The images below are courtesy of ourlads, a great online tool for NFL roster-viewing.

Considering Carolina kept seven receivers after last year’s cuts, I will be doing the same in this exercise. Currently, there are twelve wide receivers on the Panthers summer roster:

Let’s take a look at which receivers can possibly make it to Week 1.

No-Brainers

This group consists of the receivers that have basically no chance of not being on the 2026 Carolina Panthers.

Tetairoa McMillan: the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year winner will be a part of this team for the foreseeable future. Last season, McMillan set the Panthers rookie receiving record with 1014 yards, along with seven touchdowns.

McMillan’s unique skillset should continue to have him receive WR1 targets for years to come.

Jalen Coker: Opposite of McMillan is Jalen Coker, who had a huge breakout game in Carolina’s home playoff appearance. Coker has had trouble staying on the field consistently throughout the season, but has a special connection with Bryce Young when healthy.

Coker has the opportunity to play himself into a lucrative extension as a former undrafted free agent. Compared to some of the other WR contracts being handed out, Coker can make a huge impact for himself with a healthy 2026 season.

Chris Brazzell II: To the shock of some evaluators, Carolina forwent adding a receiver in Round 1 of the 2026 Draft, instead focusing on the trenches. In Round 3, however, the Panthers draft Chris Brazzell II out of Tennessee.

Brazzell is a unique blend of size and speed (6’5, 4.37 40) that also produced over 1000 yards in his final season at Tennessee.

While there are usually questions about how Tennessee receivers can translate to NFL schemes, there is no doubt that Brazzell will be a part of the Panthers plans in 2026.

Likely Keepers

It’s definitely likely, but not 100% a certainty that this tier of receivers will be on the squad for Week 1.

Xavier Legette: I’m pretty close to certain that Legette will be on the team for the majority of 2026, but he isn’t as clear-cut as the receivers list above.

Legette was selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and has since failed to make a significant impact. His athletic traits are special, but sometimes the fundamentals can be lacking.

This is a huge year for Legette (and the rest of the 2024 draft class). If anyone can get the most of of receivers, it’s the Panthers coaching staff - a group littered with experience coaching receivers.

Brycen Tremayne: The primary blocking receiver in 2025, Tremayne was indispensable to the Panthers offense. While he may not have the receiving upside as the WRs listed above, Tremayne has a skillset that this offense needs.

Tremayne’s targets last season were few and far between (14 receptions on 18 targets). However, he fits the mold of receiver that this team likes, and will likely be a huge factor as a blocker once again in 2026.

Fringe-In

After the first five receivers, the spots become much more contested. These receivers have to bring something to the table that the remaining group doesn’t.

John Metchie III: Carolina’s lone outside free agent acquisition at the position, Metchie has a decent chance of making the final 53.

As you may know, Metchie was one of Bryce Young’s only viable receiving targets during his time at Alabama. The familiarity between the two can’t be overlooked.

Metchie operates more as a safety net that can create underneath, which is a sneaky need that most of the above receiving corps lacks.

Jimmy Horn Jr: The final selection for this group is Horn. A 6th round pick from last season, Horn had a minimal impact early, but was able to carve out a role on gadget plays late last year.

Horn is up against it in terms of making the roster. In my opinion, he has to be able to provide special teams value in order to be someone this team keeps around.

In his post-draft introductory press conference, Horn stressed that he loves being a returner. Both kick and punt returner are spots Carolina has ongoing competition, and in this exercise, Horn sticks around to help provide stability to both spots.

“I love doing (punt/kick) return, so like, that’s something I love to do, and I feel like that’s gonna help separate me too. Because it’s fun back there, man, it’s fun. You know you gotta be willing to take a hit to get one”

- Jimmy Horn Jr. on his value as a returner

Fringe-Out

Since there are only seven spots, someone had to get left out. While I may not have chosen this player, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him make the team.

David Moore: Moore has been with Dave Canales and Co. since 2017, where he was selected 226th overall by the Seattle Seahawks.

Since then, Moore has been a mainstay, helping teach the Canales culture and playbook while contributing when his number was called.

Last season, Moore initially made the final 53 and played in the Panthers first four contests. However, early in the Week 4 game against New England, Moore suffered an elbow dislocation and damage to the ligaments in his arm, forcing him out the remainder of the season.

Moore is a steady contributor that has familiarity with this coaching staff. The issue lies with his ability to stand out and provide unique value.

The emergence of Jimmy Horn Jr. as a potential returner and gadget player helps take away that niche from Moore. Tremayne’s blocking and Metchie’s reliability and rapport with Bryce Young are also hard to overcome.

I’m not sure that Moore won’t stick around, but for this piece, the team decides to head in a different direction.

Remainder and/or Practice Squad

The initial 53 players that a team decides to keep in August are never the same once they reach January. Each of the remaining receivers has something to bring to the team, especially on the practice squad.

Dan Chisena: Of this group, Chisena is the only one to see significant snaps for the Panthers. Against Arizona in 2024, Chisena helped to put the game away late in the 4th quarter and overtime.

Chisena has known value as a special teams player, and would likely be the first call up if he remains on Carolina’s practice squad.

Ainias Smith: Last August, Carolina made it a priority to sign Smith to their practice squad. He has remained there since, indicating that the Panthers don’t want anyone else snatching him up.

Ja’seem Reed: Reed is in a similar boat to Smith, having been a part of the Panthers practice squad since last August.

Kobe Prentice: The new addition to this group is Kobe Prentice, an undrafted rookie from Baylor.

Prentice transferred to Baylor from Alabama, and overlapped with Bryce Young during the 2022 season. As a true freshman, Prentice caught 31 passes for 337 yards and two touchdowns.

Having a connection with Carolina’s starting quarterback certainly doesn’t hurt Prentice’s chances of remaining in Carolina.

Final Prediction

After going through Carolina’s receiver options, it’s clear that there will be real competition this summer/fall for the last few spots. My final verdict for how that room shakes out is:

• Tetairoa McMillan

• Jalen Coker

• Xavier Legette

• Chris Brazzell II

• Brycen Tremayne

• John Metchie III

• Jimmy Horn Jr.

There’s real talent in this group. McMillan and Coker look to be high-volume guys, Legette and Brazzell have potential to be unlocked, and Tremayne, Metchie, and Horn all have their own roles.

From the outside looking in, this should be the most talented group of receivers that Carolina carries since 2020. If it turns out that way on the field, the Panthers have a good shot at making it back to the playoffs.

The NFL Draft and free agency have come and gone, and your Carolina Panthers have officially been crowned offseason champs. Hang the banner! Dan Morgan and company have been hard at work putting together a roster that looks ready to defend the NFC South title.

Nearly every major hole entering the 2026 offseason was addressed. Carolina splashed on defense, bringing in Devin Lloyd at linebacker and Jaelan Phillips at EDGE to patch up an area that looked extremely thin entering free agency. On the offensive side of the ball, the Panthers leaned heavily into the draft, adding Monroe Freeling and Sam Hecht — two players who could realistically compete for starting jobs immediately on the offensive line — along with Chris Brazzell, who brings some much-needed juice to the receiver room.

Still, this roster is VERY far from perfect.

Even after a strong offseason, there are a few areas where Carolina could still improve heading into the season. With Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week, we’re going to take a look at the biggest remaining holes to see where the team can improve, whether that be internal development or potentially adding a veteran piece before Week 1.

Tight End

I think we all expected this one, so let’s just get it out of the way.

Carolina’s tight end room has a group of players who each do certain things well, but the group still lacks a true centerpiece. Tommy Tremble remains the closest thing Carolina has to a complete tight end and is probably the player Bryce Young and the coaching staff trust most right now. He is never going to put up massive receiving numbers, but he brings physicality, blocking value, and the occasional splash play.

Behind him are J’Tavion Sanders and Mitchell Evans.

Sanders has been somewhat underwhelming since flashes during his 2024 rookie season. He is probably the most naturally versatile receiving option in the room, but the lack of physicality and inconsistent hands have become real concerns. Not exactly an ideal combination for a tight end.

Then it’s still a bit too early to make any definitive judgment on Evans, but there is at least a path for him to become a useful rotational player in the right role.

Collectively, this group combined for 75 receptions, 781 yards, and 4 touchdowns last season. That’s roughly equivalent to what Tyler Warren produced by himself during his rookie season for the Colts, which would explain why the national media spent months mocking a tight end to Carolina in the first round.

The lack of a true middle-of-the-field security blanket still feels noticeable. Giving Bryce Young a reliable target between the numbers could do a lot for both his development and the offense’s consistency.

Potential veteran targets could include names like T.J. Hockenson, Jonnu Smith, or Zach Ertz, but honestly? Carolina may be better off simply rolling with the young group and seeing if someone emerges.

Subscribe now

Nickel

This was one of the more underrated needs on the roster entering the offseason.

I really wanted Carolina to add more physicality at nickel — ideally a true “big nickel” type who could help against the run while still holding up in coverage. The Panthers did draft Will Lee III in the fourth round out of Texas A&M, but Lee has primarily played boundary corner and doesn’t have much slot experience. That doesn’t mean he can’t transition inside, but it is probably unfair to assume that happens immediately in year one.

Right now, the Panthers are largely relying on Corey Thornton and Chau Smith-Wade, who handled most of the nickel duties last season.

Thornton actually flashed some intriguing potential before suffering a broken fibula, and it will be interesting to see how he develops once healthy. Still, relying on a player coming off that type of injury with limited NFL reps is risky.

Smith-Wade, meanwhile, has proven to be serviceable and has had some strong moments, but he still lacks the physical presence that could really elevate this defense.

The problem is that true impact nickel defenders are difficult to find. Most players who can cover and bring the physicality in the run game are already locked into major roles elsewhere.

If Carolina wanted to explore veteran additions, names like Kenny Moore or L’Jarius Sneed could make sense as experienced stopgaps, even if neither player is quite at their peak anymore.

Safety

The final obvious question mark remains at safety.

Every single draft cycle, I bang the drum that Carolina should find a way to land the best safety in the class. I fully understand and subscribe to the positional value arguments against it, but I just love the idea of having an elite playmaker roaming around the back end of the defense.

This year, Carolina never had a realistic shot at Caleb Downs and ultimately passed on Dillon Thieneman, which honestly did not bother me much. Instead, the Panthers selected Zakee Wheatley in the fifth round, a pick that has generated quite a bit of excitement among fans.

Although, if we are being honest, some of that excitement may simply come from the possibility of Nick Scott no longer starting at some point this season.

Wheatley does bring a skill set that Carolina has been lacking at the position. He is a bit more rangy than most of the current options and feels like a more natural pairing alongside Tre’Von Moehrig, who spends a bulk of his workday down in the box. That said, expecting a fifth-round rookie to immediately take over a starting role is probably unrealistic.

Lathan Ransom is another interesting name here. Most fans seem to view him primarily as depth behind Moehrig, but there is definitely a world where he develops into a legitimate starting-caliber player sooner rather than later. He became a real rotation player last season and started 6 games, so there’s definitely a world where Ransom is the most realistic option to start come week 1.

As for veteran additions? Honestly, this may just be a situation where Carolina needs to let the young players compete and hope somebody takes control of the job during camp. The options aren’t great; we’re probably looking at Donovan Wilson, Taylor Rapp, and Ifeatu Melifonwu.

With another successful NFL Draft in the books, the Carolina Panthers roster is built and ready for real football. Unfortunately, we’re still quite a ways away from the 2026 NFL Season Opener, which will be on Wednesday, September 9th.

A five month wait is tough, but thanks to yesterday’s schedule reveal, at least fans will know the exact time and place that Carolina will face their opponents this season.

Carolina’s opponents have been known since the end of the regular season. Thanks to a playoff berth, the Panthers will have to face a first-place schedule, earning the team matchups against the Super Bowl champion Seahawks, the Eagles, and the Denver Broncos.

Along with those three, Carolina will have six NFC South games, and will also play all of the NFC North (Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, Minnesota), and the AFC North (Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Pittsburgh).

On paper, this is definitely a tougher slate of opponents than the team faced last season. However, the Panthers have some favorable matchups this year after a productive offseason. Another postseason berth is possible.

Carolina Panthers 2026 Calendar

Before we get to the games that count, the Panthers will have four preseason games. In addition to the usual three contests, Carolina will play in the Hall of Fame game to kick off the preseason, courtesy of Luke Kuechly’s HOF enshrinement.

Hall of Fame Game: vs. Arizona Cardinals, August 6th (Canton, OH), 8pm EST

Preseason Week 1: @ Buffalo Bills, August 15th, 1pm EST

Preseason Week 2: @ Jacksonville Jaguars, August 21st, 7:30pm EST

Preseason Week 3: vs. Houston Texans, August 28th, 7pm EST

I am all for getting more reps in the preseason. The last few years in which the starters got a handful of drives didn’t necessarily lead to the team being prepared in Week One.

Along with getting extra reps in the preseason, Carolina will travel an NFL-lowest 8740 miles during the regular season.

That’s nearly 10000 less than the median team and close to 30000 less than the league-leading 49ers who have multiple cross-country and international trips.

A strong offseason, extra preseason reps, and a bit of travel luck have placed Carolina in an enviable spot.

It’s up to the team to decide what to do with these advantages against a daunting schedule.

Let’s see how the regular season stacks up.

Subscribe now

Note: Offense and Defense rankings are based on epa/play

Week 1, vs. Chicago Bears, Sept. 13, 1pm EST

2025 Record: (11-6), Won NFC North, Lost in Divisional Round - Offense: 7th - Defense: 21st

Key additions:

• C Garrett Bradbury

• S Coby Bryant

• S Dillon Thieneman

Last Meeting: 2024, Week 5, L (10-36)

Rest Advantage: 0

What an electric start to the season.

Last year, both the Bears and Panthers won their divisions for the first time in more than 5 seasons, with the both teams falling to the LA Rams in the playoffs.

Chicago had quite the turnaround following Ben Johnson’s hire. Caleb Williams’ rookie season couldn’t have gone worse, and Johnson’s creative play-calling seemed to stabilize and unlock the traits that allowed Williams to go first overall in 2024.

This will certainly be a tough challenge, but among the Panthers opponents this season, Chicago presents some unique matchups. The Bears offensive line - their best unit last year - has dealt with injuries and a key retirement this offseason.

Conversely, Chicago’s defensive line was the weak link last year on the Bears defense, and didn’t add a lot of high-end help.

Overall, the Bears were a much more talented team than Carolina last season. I don’t think the margin is that significant this season, and Carolina may have closed the gap with their offseason moves.

If the Panthers can maintain a strong homefield advantage from 2025, Panthers fans could be looking at the first opening win since 2021.

Early Prediction: Close Win

Week 2, @ Atlanta Falcons, Sept. 20, 1pm EST

2025 Record: (8-9), missed playoffs - Offense: 24th - Defense: 15th

Key additions:

• QB Tua Tagovailoa

• CB Avieon Terrell

• OL Jawaan Taylor

Last Meeting: 2025, Week 11, W-OT (30-27)

Rest Advantage: 0

A road division game this early in the season usually spells disaster. Fortunately, Bryce Young and Carolina have seemed to own the Falcons in their home stadium in the last two matchups.

While Atlanta did finish the season with an identical record to the Panthers, the Falcons headlined their offseason by adding Tua Tagovailoa to compete with Michael Penix Jr. - not exactly the most inspiring QB battle.

If Carolina is able to build off of a strong division performance last season, this should be a win for the Panthers.

Early Prediction: Win

Week 3, @ Cleveland Browns, Sept. 27, 1pm EST

2025 Record: (5-12), missed playoffs - Offense: 31st - Defense: 5th

Key additions:

• The entire OL

• WR KC Concepcion

• WR Denzel Boston

Last Meeting: 2022, Week 1, L (24-26)

Rest Advantage: 0

Four years ago, rookie left tackle Ikem Ekwonu was baptized by fire in his first career game, lining up against future Hall of Famer Myles Garrett.

If rookie Monroe Freeling wins the left tackle spot, he will have the fortune of getting to wait until Week 3 to face Garrett - who is coming off of an NFL-record 23 sack season.

Cleveland has done a good job improving their roster, but Carolina should still have the upper hand. These are the road games you have to win in order to become a real playoff contender.

Early Prediction: Win

Week 4, vs. Detroit Lions, Oct. 4, 8:20pm EST, Sunday Night Football

2025 Record: (9-8), missed playoffs - Offense: 6th - Defense: 13th

Key additions:

• OL Blake Miller

• C Cade Mays

• EDGE Derrick Moore

Last Meeting: 2023, Week 5, L (24-42)

Rest Advantage: 0

A playoff berth and near-upset against the Rams has put Carolina in the national spotlight. Week 4 will be the first of three(!) primetime contests for the Panthers.

This game will be Carolina’s first appearance on Sunday Night Football since 2016, where the team was promptly handled by the Seattle Seahawks.

However, the last time the Panthers hosted SNF, the team pulled off a 27-16 victory over Philadelphia en route to a Super Bowl run.

I think this contest will be more like the 2015 game; Carolina has improved enough to be able to contend with the best rosters in the league.

A primetime win early in the season would have Carolina on the right path to getting back into the postseason.

Early Prediction: Close Win

Week 5, BYE WEEK

Unfortunately, Carolina pulled the worst possible week to have the bye. Ideally, you’d get your rest week at some point in the mid to late season to allow banged-up players to recover.

Here, Carolina gets a rest after a mild to moderate first quarter of the season. The team better take advantage of this week because following the bye, Carolina will start on the difficult part of the season.

Week 6, @ Philadelphia Eagles, Oct. 18, 1pm EST

2025 Record: (11-6), Won NFC East, Lost in Wild Card Round - Offense: 16th - Defense: 8th

Key additions:

• WR Makai Lemon

• EDGE Jonathan Greenard

• CB Riq Woolen

Last Meeting: 2024, Week 14, L (16-22)

Rest Advantage: +7 (bye week)

Here’s where things get a bit tough.

While Carolina does have a full week’s worth of a rest advantage, Philly is a strong squad that’s only one year removed from demolishing the NFL on the way to capturing a championship.

The Panthers have improved, but the overall talent that Howie Roseman has assembled in Philadelphia may be too much to overcome.

Early Prediction: Close Loss

Week 7, vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oct. 25, 1pm EST

2025 Record: (8-9), missed playoffs - Offense: 20th - Defense: 18th

Key additions:

• EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.

• DL A’Shawn Robinson

• LB Alex Anzalone

Last Meeting: 2025, Week 18, L (14-16)

Rest Advantage: 0

Last season, Carolina had a statement win against the Buccaneers at home, taking the lead in the race for the division. It almost felt like a passing of the torch game for the division, as Carolina overcome an early deficit and rallied to win.

Out of all the NFC South teams, Carolina has added the most talent to their roster. Division games are always tough, but Carolina should be favored at home.

Early Prediction: Win

Week 8, @ Green Bay Packers, Oct. 29, 8:15pm, Thursday Night Football

2025 Record: (9-7-1), Lost in Wild Card Round - Offense: 4th - Defense: 22nd

Key additions:

• LB Zaire Franklin

• CB Brandon Cisse

• QB Tyrod Taylor

Last Meeting: 2025, Week 9, W (16-13)

Rest Advantage: 0

One of the biggest surprises in the entire NFL last season was Carolina going into Lambeau as double-digit underdogs, and pulling off the unlikely upset.

This year might be a bit different. Instead of sneaking by as an early 1pm EST game, the whole football world will have their eyes on this matchup, as it will be Carolina’s second primetime performance this season.

I imagine Green Bay will have a bad taste in their mouths seeing the process blue come back to their turf - and will try as hard as possible to get even.

Early Prediction: Loss

Week 9, vs. Denver Broncos, Nov. 8th, 1pm EST

2025 Record: (14-3), Won AFC West, Lost in AFC Championship - Offense: 10th - Defense: 7th

Key additions:

• WR Jaylen Waddle

• DL Tyler Onyedim

• iOL Kage Casey

Last Meeting: 2024, Week 8, L (14-28)

Rest Advantage: +3 (TNF)

Assuming QB Bo Nix will be back for this game, Denver has one of the most complete rosters in the NFL. This team already won 14 games last season, and was on the doorstep of the Super Bowl with a backup QB.

Adding Jaylen Waddle takes this group over the top. Carolina can put up a good fight, but Denver’s talent is on a different level.

Early Prediction: Loss

Week 10, @ New Orleans Saints, Nov. 15, 1pm EST

2025 Record: (6-11), missed playoffs - Offense: 27th - Defense: 9th

Key additions:

• WR Jordyn Tyson

• RB Travis Etienne Jr.

• LB Kaden Elliss

Last Meeting: 2025, Week 15, L (17-20)

Rest Advantage: 0

Despite being one of the worst rosters in the NFL last season, New Orleans gave Carolina trouble in both matchups. With another year under his belt, Head Coach Kellen Moore is only going to make this group better.

While I think Carolina should be favored in home division games, the road games are a different story. Division games are always grudge matches, and here New Orleans gets the best of Carolina.

Early Prediction: Close Loss

Week 11, vs. Baltimore Ravens, Nov. 22, 1pm EST

2025 Record: (8-9), missed playoffs - Offense: 13th - Defense: 20th

Key additions:

• EDGE Trey Hendrickson

• iOL Vega Ioane

• iOL John Simpson

Last Meeting: 2022, Week 11, L (3-13)

Rest Advantage: +1 (Ravens MNF)

If Lamar Jackson is healthy, he might be the best player in the NFL. Assuming he plays in this matchup, there aren’t many players on Carolina’s defense that can dampen the dynamic run game Baltimore can deploy.

New Head Coach Jesse Minter will hopefully have his defense playing better than last season. If so, a top defense and Lamar Jackson is a tough opponent to beat.

Early Prediction: Close Loss

Week 12, @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Nov. 30, 8:15pm EST, Monday Night Football

2025 Record: (8-9), missed playoffs - Offense: 20th - Defense: 18th

Key additions:

• EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.

• DL A’Shawn Robinson

• LB Alex Anzalone

Last Meeting: 2025, Week 18, L (14-16)

Rest Advantage: 0

During Week 18 of last season, Carolina travelled to Tampa for a quasi-primetime matchup against the Bucs. While it ended up being close (no thanks to numerous iffy calls from the officiating crew) Tampa Bay ended up with the win.

Even if Carolina has improved the talent on the roster tremendously, Tampa still has a strong homefield advantage. This will be a tough environment to win in.

Early Prediction: Close Loss

Week 13, @ Minnesota Vikings, Dec. 6, 4:25pm EST

2025 Record: (9-8), missed playoffs - Offense: 28th - Defense: 4th

Key additions:

• QB Kyler Murray

• WR Jauan Jennings

• DL Caleb Banks

Last Meeting: 2023, Week 4, L (13-21)

Rest Advantage: -1 (MNF)

Throughout a quarterback carousel filled with memes and misfortunes, Minnesota quietly pulled off a 9-8 record last season. If Kyler Murray can give even a tier of QB play better than what the Vikings saw last season, this team will be dangerous.

Combine that with Carolina being at a rest disadvantage due to the Monday Night Football matchup in Tampa, and you’re looking at an uphill battle for the Cardiac Cats.

Early Prediction: Loss

Week 14, vs. New Orleans Saints, Dec. 13, 1pm EST

2025 Record: (6-11), missed playoffs - Offense: 27th - Defense: 9th

Key additions:

• WR Jordyn Tyson

• RB Travis Etienne Jr.

• LB Kaden Elliss

Last Meeting: 2025, Week 15, L (17-20)

Rest Advantage: 0

The buck stops here. After a tough gauntlet off playoff teams, highly-talented rosters, and elite coaching, Carolina finally gets a talent advantage at home against a division opponent.

With a presumed loss to the Saints earlier in the season, Carolina will have to make up for it with a home division win.

Early Prediction: Win

Week 15, vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Dec. 20, 1pm EST

2025 Record: (6-11), missed playoffs - Offense: 19th - Defense: 29th

Key additions:

• DL Dexter Lawrence

• EDGE Boye Mafe

• S Bryan Cook

Last Meeting: 2024, Week 4, L (24-34)

Rest Advantage: 0

Cincinnati, like Baltimore, has an incredible high-powered offense that can sometimes be hamstrung by quarterback injury.

The key difference between the two teams, is the defense.

While the Bengals have certainly improved their defensive front, this unit still projects to be among the worst in the league. Carolina can hopefully take advantage of mismatches and pick up a key late season win.

Early Prediction: Close Win

Week 16, @ Pittsburgh Steelers, TBD

2025 Record: (10-7), Won AFC North, Lost in Wild Card Round - Offense: 14th - Defense: 19th

Key additions:

• WR Michael Pittman Jr.

• WR Germie Bernard

• S Jaquan Brisker

Last Meeting: 2022, Week 15, L (16-24)

Rest Advantage: 0

By the time we get to this game, Pittsburgh will certainly have their quarterback situation squared away.

For now, they do not have a great QB room.

If the Steelers end up trotting out one of Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, or rookie Drew Allar, this team could be a game Carolina looks at as a must-win.

Early Prediction: Win

Week 17, vs. Seattle Seahawks, Jan. 3, 1pm EST

2025 Record: (14-3), Won NFC West, Won Super Bowl - Offense: 15th - Defense: 2nd

Key additions:

• RB Jadarian Price

• S Bud Clark

• CB Julian Neal

Last Meeting: 2025, Week 17, L (10-27)

Rest Advantage: -2 (Seahawks Christmas game)

During the 2025 season, Seattle came to Charlotte in Week 17 and ran away with a win. This same Seahawks team would eventually obliterate the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Every year is different, but Seattle is still very talented. If they want to try and go for back to back titles, Seattle will be playing at their hardest late in the season, which is not good news for the Panthers.

Early Prediction: Loss

Week 18, vs. Atlanta Falcons, TBD

2025 Record: (8-9), missed playoffs - Offense: 24th - Defense: 15th

Key additions:

• QB Tua Tagovailoa

• CB Avieon Terrell

• OL Jawaan Taylor

Last Meeting: 2025, Week 11, W-OT (30-27)

Rest Advantage: 0

Carolina has the fortune of hosting the Falcons for their season finale. This is the first Week 18 home game for the Panthers in quite some time.

If Carolina is going to take the next step, winning a home division game during a (hopeful) run up to the playoffs is a necessity.

Early Prediction: Win

Well…that’s a lot of good teams.

A first-place schedule is the price you have to pay to be a perennial playoff team, but even the non-playoff teams from last season that the Panthers face won’t be easy.

Baltimore and Cincinnati both have top QBs when healthy. Minnesota and Detroit both had 9-8 records - a mark higher than Carolina - but missed the playoffs last season.

Cleveland is the only non-NFC South team that missed the postseason that seems to be an easy win, but in the NFL it’s any given Sunday.

Still, you can only play the teams that are in front of you. In order to take the next step toward being a real, competitive playoff contender, Carolina will have to face good teams.

My initial prediction for the Panthers this season is 9-8, and while fans may want a larger leap from this team, 9-8 against real competition is nothing to scoff at. The NFC South is still up for grabs, and I think 9 wins is enough to take the division.

However the season turns out, at least the Panthers are starting to get taken seriously again.

The NFL Draft is now over for the Carolina Panthers, and they added seven rookies to their roster (plus more through free agency following the draft).

General Manager Dan Morgan has thoroughly prioritized the trenches throughout the 2026 NFL Draft, with multiple picks along the offensive line (as well as a defensive lineman early on Friday). He added value picks along the perimeter, and stuck very close to the consensus NFL Draft board.

Let’s get to the grades.

1.19 - Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

I wrote an entire article grading the Monroe Freeling pick, so I won’t go into as much detail here. But Freeling will compete for the starting left tackle spot in 2026 while providing long-term upside. Freeling has tools to become one of the better players at the position.

Carolina selected a position of need, one which is a premium position and hard to find in the later rounds. He was a value, and the top-player for SportCLT on our Panthers-specific big board.

Grade: A

2.49 - Lee Hunter, DL, Texas Tech

Lee Hunter is a big, long, two-gapping nose tackle that the Panthers likely view as the A’Shawn Robinson replacement. It’s rare that you find nose tackles that are capable of playing on both rushing and passing downs, and despite Hunter’s older age, he broke out relatively early at UCF before transferring to Texas Tech prior to this past season.

It’s another commitment from Dan Morgan to the trenches, and though Hunter is ranked No. 45 on the consensus board, I am a bit lower on Hunter. I’ve got questions about his get-off (particularly against NFL linemen) and ability to hold up against double teams.

The fit in Carolina is pretty seamless, so I won’t harp on the pick too much, but I am lower than most - especially with Carolina having to trade up to secure him.

Grade: C

3.83 - Chris Brazzell, WR, Tennessee

Chris Brazzell definitely what Dave Canales looks for in his wide receivers: size, speed, and ball skills. I think that Brazzell immediately becomes the downfield threat that the Panthers have been missing, but it could take some time for him to grow into more than that.

Tennessee wide receivers generally come into the NFL having to learn more - the system at Tennessee isn’t designed to produce NFL receivers. There’s more to Brazzell’s game, he showed it at Tulane prior to transferring. Still, he’s a smooth athlete that has natural deceleration skills, high-end speed, and that’s a skill set the Panthers have lacked the past two years under Canales. I think Brazzell starts this year, even if his role is limited (see: Dont’e Thornton).

Grade: B

4.129 - Will Lee, DB, Texas A&M

Will Lee is a long, physical press corner that has some sticky coverage ability. He’s better utilized in man coverage schemes, so I’m a bit surprised the Panthers picked him in the fourth round, but I understand their belief in the talent. It almost makes me wonder if the long-term plan would be for Lee to become the Mike Jackson replacement, as Jackson is reaching the age that corners typically become more inconsistent.

Lee is a player that could have feasibly been selected as high as the third round, and Carolina has been in need of more bodies in the defensive back room. I like the talent and the long-term fit.

Grade: B

5.144 - Sam Hecht, iOL, Kansas State

I thought the Panthers would take a look at Sam Hecht as early as the SECOND ROUND. For them to snag him in the early fifth round is a tremendous value, and someone that I believe can press the newly-signed Luke Fortner for the starting center spot this fall.

Hecht is tall despite some other frame concerns, he moves well in space and getting to the second level and works well on double-teams. In pass-pro, he’s sufficient in picking up blitzes and twists.

Hecht was ranked No. 80 on the consensus big board, and to get him 64 spots later is undeniably a steal, and a really exciting pick for Carolina. This was the best value of the draft, to me - getting potentially a starting-caliber center this late.

Grade: A

5.158 - Zakee Wheatley, DB, Penn State

Zakee Wheatley is another player that most analysts projected to go at some point on day two. He was ranked No. 88 on the consensus board, and once again, fills a position of need for the Carolina Panthers.

Wheatley is an older, long, athletic safety that has continued to grow late in his college career. He should compete with Nick Scott to play real snaps as a rookie, particularly in that over-the-top center-fielding role.

Wheatley, though, was all over the field for the Nittany Lions - he played corner, linebacker, safety, and slot at times, flashing talent at each spot.

Wheatley is someone I’d describe as a “final frame” player. He’s always finding himself near the ball or point of attack, in a spot to make a play.

Again, getting a defensive back projected to go much higher is a great value for Dan Morgan and his front office. I think there’s a real shot for Wheatley to contribute from Week 1.

Grade: A

7.227 - Jackson Kuwatch, LB, Miami (OH)

I’m going to be honest, I don’t know how to grade this. I never watched him play, he wasn’t really talked about in the pre-draft process, and Kuwatch wasn’t ranked on the consensus board.

It’s a sicko pick, and this late in the draft, that’s kid of all that matters to me. Kuwatch has some impressive measurables for a linebacker - a height/weight/speed guy that should be able to get on the field for special teams.

Grade: Incomplete

Overall Class Grade

I think the Panthers did really well with their 2026 NFL Draft Class. Time will tell, of course, but I really like the mindset of investing into the trenches early and often. The Monroe Freeling pick was one I am a big fan of, and even if the Lee Hunter selection was underwhelming to me, I still think the Panthers came back around with really great values on day three with the Hecht and Wheatley selections in particular.

Overall Grade: A

The Carolina Panthers made Monroe Freeling the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday night, a slight surprise considering the team was heavily rumored to be interested in Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman and a variety of receivers.

Freeling, though, is a massive-framed tackle that moves better than almost any offensive lineman in this draft class.

The upside is massive with Freeling (no pun intended). After being used mostly as a swing tackle throughout the first half of his college career, Freeling started 18 games at left tackle over the past two seasons for Georgia.

Freeling had some ups and downs early, and was considered by most to be a mid-round selection throughout the middle of the 2025 college football season. As his year progressed, though, Freeling’s development was on full display.

Throughout the ladder half of the 2025 season, Freeling was playing like one of the premier tackles in all of the sport. His physical tools were started to be based by his technical ability: his fluidity, his foot movement, and his blocking in space.

I mean, just look at these clips:

On the SportCLT Panthers Draft Guide, Monroe Freeling came out to be our No. 1 Panthers target. We are true believers in his talent.

And while I get some may question his year one fit in Carolina, I actually think it’s a pretty natural one.

Freeling should compete with Rasheed Walker (who signed a 1-year, $4M contract in March) to become the starter at left tackle. Freeling should win that battle, and he will be the favorite going into camp.

But what about when Ickey Ekwonu returns from his patellar injury?

Well, I’m going to be honest. It’s not super likely that Ekwonu will be the same player when he returns. According to a study from the University of Missouri, only 21.4% of players who suffer such an injury return to their prior performance level. And I think this investment in Freeling might indicate how Carolina feels about those odds for Ekwonu, unfortunately.

But even if you project Ekwonu to return to his peak form, Taylor Moton isn’t getting any younger. He is a player that the coaching staff has had to give load management practice days to throughout the past two seasons - a circumstance that no other player on the roster is privy to.

The Panthers could save up to $21.5M by moving on from Taylor Moton next offseason. I’m not saying that it’s likely, but it’s another potential long-term reason as to why Freeling makes sense at 19.

There was a not-far-off scenario that Carolina would have needed to remedy both starting tackle spots as soon as next offseason. That is a situation I am confident Dan Morgan wanted to avoid.

My two cents: Freeling was a great pick for both 2026 and beyond. He checks all of the boxes of a first-round offensive tackle prospect and fits into the short and long-term plans of this Carolina Panthers team.

Though I’m higher on Freeling than most (as is the majority of the SportCLT team), I have a really good feeling this pick will age well. Freeling made the most sense of any tackle in the first round for Carolina, and while it’s not as flashy as Makai Lemon or Dillon Thieneman, it’s a professional pick that good teams make all of the time.

He’s a Charleston native, too, which can’t hurt.

Grade: A

Subscribe now

The NFL Draft has arrived, and the SportCLT team has put together a roundtable discussion to get some final thoughts about before the event takes place this evening.

Be sure to tune into SportCLT’s live draft show at 8 PM ET tonight! We will have a variety of guests and provide analysis of each pick in real time. You can catch the show on YouTube and Twitter.

Okay, let’s dive in:

What's your confidence level (1-10) in Panthers GM Dan Morgan, specifically for the 2026 NFL Draft?

Dylan Jackson (DJ): 7. That 2024 class was rough, but I think the front office learned from it. 2025 was especially great and will be difficult to replicate without a top-10 pick (and weaker draft class), but I think I trust GM Dan Morgan to add an impact player or two and make good moves on the margins.

Jacob Lequire (JL): 6. I really like what Morgan was able to accomplish with the 2025 draft class. Adding the offensive rookie of the year, two ascending edge defenders, and good depth was big for Carolina last season. However, the 2024 draft class is looking like a wash at this point. Jalen Coker is the best player from that group and he wasn't technically a draft pick. Hopefully 2026 can look more like the 2025 class.

Steve Sears (SS): 8. I think Morgan & Co. know exactly where our roster problems lie. There’s no “the answer may be on the roster” lines getting thrown around, and I love that. They are also coming off a really productive 2025 draft that produced the rookie of the year and 5 other rookies who all contributed in some way. They’ve earned a lot of trust.

Akil Guruparan (AG): 8. He nailed the 2025 draft in terms of both trade value and prospect evaluation and did so in a way that seems sustainable - but last year was a much better draft than this one, and I don't completely know if last year's aggressive approach would work the same way with this draft. I'm also curious about how he will manage the Panthers' offensive line situation, which to me is a lot more dire than it's been talked about.

What is the position that you feel most confident will be addressed by the Carolina Panthers within the first three rounds of the NFL Draft?

DJ: Wide Receiver. While I'm not sold on a receiver being the first-round pick, Carolina has done a ton of work on receivers in the pre-draft process on players projected to go in the first three rounds. I think it will be a position they address early.

JL: Offensive Line. All the buzz is about receiver or tight end, but it's very difficult to find true high end starters along the offensive line in later rounds. Offensive line is a larger need for this team than people realize.

SS: Offensive tackle. They just have to add some top 100 talent to the o-line room. There’s already a lot of money pumped into that group and with Ickey Ekwonu’s injury and Taylor Moton’s future beyond this year an uncertainty, Carolina needs to add some youth to the group to put themselves in a position to be ready for a shuffle.

AG: Linebacker. Devin Lloyd was successful last year as a supercharged sidekick to Foye Oluokun rather than as a green-dot, quarterback-of-the-defense type of player. I don't really think the Panthers are going to pay him to be a player he wasn't last year, and that's going to mean pairing him with somebody they believe can be a three-down green-dot guy. I'm not sure that Trevin Wallace or Claudin Cherelus are that right now, and there are quite a few Day 2 candidates who look the part.

Name one player commonly connected to the Panthers at 19 that you DO NOT think will be the pick.

DJ: Kenyon Sadiq. It seems like every mock draft out there has the Panthers taking Sadiq, and I just don't think the odds of that happening are very high. Carolina has done a lot of work on tight ends, but more-so on guys projected to go on Day Two. It feels like many project Sadiq to Carolina out of convenience more than anything else. I could be wrong, but I think the odds are much less likely than what's implied by just scrolling through mock drafts released over the past month.

JL: Kenyon Sadiq. The most commonly-mocked player to Carolina actually doesn't make a ton of sense. Sadiq is an athletic freak but lacks any real form of production and was outpaced by many other receiving options on the Oregon roster late in the season. I don't think the analytically-minded part of the front office would be willing to sign off on an unproductive tight end over a receiver, offensive lineman, or defensive back.

SS: Dillon Thienemen. I just don’t buy it but really it depends what OTs & WRs are on the board. I like the player, but safety’s always slip. There’s also now this possibility that he just may not even be there. Again, not buying it. I also just think that due to positional value, at 19, Carolina will look somewhere else before they look at Thienemen at safety.

AG: Omar Cooper, Jr. I think it's well within the realm of possibility that the Panthers take another receiver on Day 1, but I can't imagine it'll be somebody who played nearly all their college snaps from the slot. Given how much the Panthers like putting the guys they already have in the slot, and how much they run multiple tight-end sets, I think they're going to want a guy with more lineup versatility. I'd expect KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston (though I'd be unhappy with him) to be much higher on their board.

Who is your favorite day two prospect for the Carolina Panthers?

DJ: Anthony Hill, LB, Texas. Hill is an electric linebacker with three full years of production at Texas. He was an early breakout, has tons of athleticism and length, and provides value in a a variety of ways. I think taking Hill would really nicely round out the linebacker room for the Panthers.

JL: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida. He's only a Day 2 guy for me due to the nagging foot injuries he's sustained. Banks is the most explosive defensive line prospect in this class by a wide margin, and could be worth a look in Round 2 if Carolina is good with his medicals.

SS: Keionte Scott, DB, Miami. I would really for Carolina to add some physicality to the nickel spot (very important these days) and Scott brings just that. He popped every time I watched Miami and is a near perfect fit alongside Jaycee Horn & Mike Jack.

AG: Max Klare. I think he's the most dynamic route-running tight end in the draft and would add a dimension to the Panthers' pass-catchers that they're sorely lacking. Having a tight end like him who could open up the middle of the field and command attention at the second level would free up the Panthers' outside receivers as well and give Bryce Young the kind of wide-open field that he's been missing for three years.

Do you find it likely the Panthers trade out of pick No. 19, either up or down?

DJ: I'll put it this way: I think the likelihood of a trade is greater than any single player at 19 overall. I think there's a little better than a 1-in-3 chance the Panthers make some sort of trade on night one. Dan Morgan has only made one pick in the top-100 that wasn't acquired via a draft-day trade, and it was Tetairoa McMillan at No. 8 in 2025. I expect the Panthers to evaluate all options to extract the maximum possible value out of their draft pick.

JL: Yes, I think it's actually more likely than not that Carolina makes a trade on Night 1. Dan Morgan has traded to acquire and select 5 of the 6 Top 100 draft picks throughout his tenure as general manager. The lack of real blue chip talent outside of the top 6-7 players could prompt a move back to acquire future picks.

SS: Yes, I think if they have a dance partner, they would not hesitate to move down.

AG: I don't think they trade up. The amount that they'd need to give up to move up to where you'd get one of the blue-chip guys in this draft is too much for where this team is in the building process. I'm not so sure they trade down, either, just because I'm not sure that you can be sure that any of the guys you might take at 19 would still be there at a later pick if they trade down more than 4 spots or so.

Who is your favorite first-round target for the Carolina Panthers?

DJ: KC Concepcion. The Panthers desperately need a dynamic, explosive element in their offense. Everything has felt so condensed over the past three seasons, and adding a player like Concepcion makes everyone's job easier on offense. He stretches the field, makes the most of his yards after the catch, and regularly beats both man and zone coverage. Concepcion is my WR2 in this class only after Carnell Tate. I think he's THAT talented.

JL: Monroe Freeling. I really believe the offensive line is the biggest issue facing Carolina at this point in their roster construction. Not only does this unit add 2 new starters this season, but the unit is the most expensive across the entire NFL. Despite this high budget, the group actually performed quite poorly when it comes to pass protection. Carolina needs to get younger, cheaper, and better, particularly at the tackle spots. I think Freeling has the best chance at becoming a plus starter at left tackle, a spot that hasn't been above average in pass protection even with Ickey Ekwonu healthy.

SS: Could honestly go a lot of different ways here and it’s really hard to pick ONE. But I gotta stick with the board here and go Jordyn Tyson. I just think he is just way too talented a player to pass on. The injuries are spooky but I think Carolina has the infrastructure in place to deal with any hurdles and hopefully nfl training can strengthen his body.

AG: Monroe Freeling. I love his movement skills and hand strength and placement, it makes him a brick wall against speed and power rushers. The Panthers are facing long-term questions at both the left and right tackle positions and I think Freeling is the perfect guy to answer either one of them because he's played both sides in college. I also think his ceiling is even higher than it might seem because Georgia employs Stacy Searels as their OL coach, and with a quality NFL position coach instead, the sky is the limit.

Predict what the Panthers will do on Thursday night.

DJ: If I had to guess, I think the Panthers take Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman if he's available at 19. If not (and I don't think he will be), I think they will either move down a few spots via trade or take a receiver (either KC Concepcion or Omar Cooper).

JL: Trade back into the 20s, draft a receiver. As stated above, I think Carolina will ultimately be tempted by a trade to move back into the 20s to select one of the many receivers they brought in for visits. Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. and local product KC Concepcion make sense if Carolina trades back, and I think that will ultimately be the direction the team goes.

SS: I think Carolina picks a player for the trenches. Again I think draft investment in the o-line is a must and picking and the loss of A’shawn Robinson left a hole on the d-line. If the opportunity to trade down presents itself, I also think that happens.

AG: I think they'll take Dillon Thieneman. It became apparent down the stretch last season that the defensive strength of this team is on the back end. The Panthers have two excellent cornerbacks and an enforcer of a safety in Tre'Von Moehrig. I think Dan Morgan will want to try and rebuild the Legion of Boom he was in Seattle to help create, and Thieneman could be his Earl Thomas.

Before we get there, it’s time for one last mock draft. This will be a predictive mock, based on reports and rumors from around the league. Ultimately, these rumors might mean nothing since it’s the time of year teams run smokescreens, but they will be relied upon nonetheless.

With that out of the way, here’s the final guess at how tonight’s program will turn out.

1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

Probably the least dramatic pick tonight, Fernando Mendoza will be making his way to Las Vegas soon. The Heisman winner and national championship quarterback will hopefully become the franchise player the Raiders need.

2. New York Jets: David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech

This pick has flipped between Bailey and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese about a thousand times over the last couple weeks. Bailey seems to have the edge at this point, and will be an immediate impact player that can get after the quarterback.

3. Arizona Cardinals: Francis Mauigoa, OL, Miami

Talk about Jeremiyah Love is heating up, but Arizona really needs to fix their offensive line. Mauigoa is the most stable offensive lineman in this class, and should be an immediate starter at right tackle, bookending the line with Paris Johnson Jr.

4. Tennessee Titans: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

Love is the best offensive player in this draft, and Tennessee needs to give Cam Ward all the help he can get. I’m not sure if the value a running back brings is necessarily worth it at pick 4, but Love can give this team immediate juice.

5. New York Giants: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State

After adding Abdul Carter in last year’s draft, New York helps complete their front seven on defense with Styles. If this is the pick, Styles would be the first off-ball linebacker drafted in the Top 5 since Devin White went fifth to Tampa Bay.

6. Dallas Cowboys (via CLE): Arvell Reese, EDGE/LB, Ohio State

Trade! Dallas sends picks 12 + 20 for picks 6 + 39

It’s been reported that Cleveland wants to move out of the Top 10 and add more picks. Dallas has also been rumored to want to move up for a defensive star. Here, both teams get what they want, and Dallas takes advantage of Arvell Reese’s slide, adding a versatile playmaker to a reworked defense.

7. Washington Commanders: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State

Jeremiyah Love would’ve been a perfect fit, but Washington settles for the consensus WR1 in the class with Tate. Tate can be a good sidekick to Terry McLaurin early in his career before taking over in a similar role.

8. New Orleans Saints: Mansoor Delane, CB, Louisiana State

GM Mickey Loomis finally decides to grab a player from his backyard with Delane. The overlap in the New Orleans/LSU fanbase is part of the appeal, but Delane is also a sticky corner that can step in and replace Alontae Taylor’s production.

9. Kansas City Chiefs: Rueben Bain Jr, EDGE, Miami

My highest-ranked defensive end in this class, Bain is a force of nature that ruins offensive line’s days. Historically shorter arms may cause him to fall down the board, but Bain’s complete game can help him overcome this drawback in the NFL.

10. New York Giants (via CIN): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

The best player in this draft, bar none, ends up joining his former teammate in New York. Downs is the perfect finishing piece for a defense that has been reworked over the offseason.

11. Miami Dolphins: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah

Miami has a lot of needs to address in their rebuild. Perhaps the most important is the offensive line, which has been an issue for years. Fano is a strong tackle prospect, but is projected to have the potential to play all five positions on the line, something Miami desperately needs.

12. Cleveland Browns (via DAL): Vega Ioane, iOL, Penn State

Cleveland would love to have one of the top two tackles, but after the trade back they settle for the best interior player in this class with Ioane. Ioane should be the plug and play starter at either guard spot that Cleveland feels is weakest.

13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Makai Lemon is often mocked here, but Tyson has the much higher ceiling as an explosive WR1. LA is uniquely equipped to handle the risk, given their possession of two star receivers already. Tyson can be guided along without much pressure to be an instant producer.

14. Baltimore Ravens: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Baltimore could really use a guard, but the only one worth the 14th pick went two spots before to the division-rival Browns. Sadiq can be a tertiary receiving option with the potential to eventually replace Mark Andrews as the primary pass-catcher.

15. Cleveland Browns (via TB): Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama

Trade! Cleveland sends picks 20 + 107 for picks 15 + 155

In order to avoid the anticipated run on offensive tackles, Cleveland moves ahead of Detroit and Carolina to add Proctor, the highest upside tackle in this class. Proctor seems to have fans in Cleveland, and will be a project that could have a serious payoff if he hits.

16. New York Jets (via IND): Makai Lemon, WR, Southern Cal

The Jets have a receiver issue - their leading receiver (Garrett Wilson) had a grand total of 395 yards last season. Lemon isn’t as explosive as other options, but should immediately command a ton of targets. Aaron Glenn could have his version of Amon-Ra St. Brown if this is the pick.

17. Detroit Lions: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

Following the exodus of Taylor Decker, Detroit needs more tackle help. Freeling might be the most natural left tackle in the class. At 6’7’’ and 315+ lbs, Freeling’s movement ability is rare. This could allow Detroit to keep Penei Sewell at his natural position, right tackle.

18. Minnesota Vikings: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

Harrison Smith has held down the back of the Vikings defense for years. With him gone, Minnesota needs another impact player in the secondary. Thieneman is a rangy, versatile safety that can step in from Day 1 and provide stability.

19. Philadelphia Eagles: Max Iheanachor, OL, Arizona State

Trade! Philadelphia sends picks 23 + 98 for pick 19

In order to not miss out on a high-upside tackle, Philly moves up to add Iheanachor. While he hasn’t been playing football very long, Iheanachor’s short resume is already loaded with good tape. Iheanachor can be the heir apparent to franchise legend Lane Johnson.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (via CLE, DAL, GB): Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami

After losing their grip on the division, Tampa Bay might have shifted into win-now mode. There isn’t a more win-now player in this class than Mesidor. A six-year senior, Mesidor is experienced and will be able to give instant production as a pass rusher, something Tampa desperately needs.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Indiana

Even if Pittsburgh did just trade for Michael Pittman, I still can’t get the images of Rodgers throwing to practice squad players towards the end of the season out of my mind. Cooper Jr. will give Rodgers, or whoever suits up at QB, a stable receiver with high YAC upside.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Losing Jesse Minter to Baltimore stings. In order to offset this loss, LA adds a high-upside defender in Faulk. Improving the defensive talent is the best way to overcome losing the defensive coordinator.

23. Carolina Panthers: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

Dan Morgan loves to wheel and deal, and after picking up another Top 100 pick, Carolina adds the player they’ve been targeting all along, KC Concepcion. The Charlotte native brings juice to an offense that has been sorely lacking in that department.

24. Kansas City Chiefs (via CLE, JAX): Blake Miller, OL, Clemson

Trade! Kansas City sends picks 29 + 148 for pick 24

Kansas City added to one side of the trenches earlier, and in order to secure a player on the other side, they had to move up over some OL-needy teams. Miller can be the starter at right tackle, securing the ends of an offensive line that needed an overhaul over the past few offseasons.

25. Chicago Bears: TJ Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Offensive line could be another position Chicago chooses to address, but the edge rusher room is bare outside of Montez Sweat. Parker gives the team a traits-heavy player that has shown he can be a force-multiplier on defense at Clemson.

26. Buffalo Bills: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

Buffalo could use a number of improvements on defense, but here GM Brandon Beane adds McDonald, a stout defensive tackle that exists to stop the run. Pairing McDonald and Ed Oliver together could give the defensive front new life.

27. San Francisco 49ers: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Niners have needed offensive line help forever, but have almost refused to address it. Here, San Fran adds Lomu, who played left tackle for Utah. Lomu could swap to the right side while being the eventual replacement plan for Trent Williams.

28. Houston Texans: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

What could the team with the best edge rusher duo need? Another edge rusher. Young isn’t as explosive of a pass rusher as Anderson Jr. and Hunter, but is an excellent run defender. Young could give Hunter some plays off against the run, limiting the amount of time the 31 year old has to see the field.

29. Cleveland Browns (via LAR): Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

Cleveland did a good job maneuvering to add multiple starters along the offensive line. With their final pick in the first round, the Browns add Boston, a true X receiver that can win with physicality at the catch point.

30. Miami Dolphins (via DEN): Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, Central Florida

Miami addressed the offensive line earlier in the draft. Here, they add a high-upside pick to the defensive line with Lawrence. Lawrence is a bit raw, but has the frame and traits to give the Dolphins a larger edge rusher, something the unit lacks.

31. New England Patriots: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo

The Super Bowl runner-up Patriots are probably looking heavily at receiver, but I have a feeling that spot will be addressed at or around June 2nd. The best available player on the board at this point is EMW, a versatile safety that can join Christian Gonzalez in making a difficult secondary to pass against.

32. Arizona Cardinals: Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

Trade! Arizona sends picks 34 + 143 for pick 32

Seattle only has four (4) draft picks currently available for use. GM John Schneider has stated that they want to add more. Here, Arizona moves up two spots to add Simpson, gaining the important 5th year option that only first round picks have. Ty Simpson has been heavily connected to Arizona, and has been spoken about as a first rounder this week. Arizona takes a chance on the Alabama quarterback, knowing that if it doesn’t work out, they might be able to get another guy next year.

To recap, this mock draft contained five draft night trades, with the Cleveland Browns being involved in two of them. The most common position drafted were the edge rushers, with eight coming off of the board. Conversely, only one running back, guard, defensive tackle, and tight end were selected.

For live analysis and reactions to tonight’s NFL Draft, tune in to SportCLT’s Draft Show! Coverage will begin just before 8pm EST and will last throughout the entirety of Round 1.

SportCLT will be live on draft night on Twitter and YouTube throughout the entire first round to give you instant analysis of every pick. Of course, we’ll also be talking about the Panthers’ draft selection extensively (whether it’s at 19 or somewhere else via a trade).

The show will start at 8:00 PM ET and will be hosted by “The Panthers Show” hosts Dylan Jackson and Jacob Lequire.

SportCLT will have the following guests on at different points throughout the show:

Matthew Sponhour - Host of the Stay Hot Podcast for Blue Wire Podcasts

Walker Mehl - Host of Wes and Walker on WFNZ, Host of Locked On Hornets

Jared Feinberg - Lead Contributor for Cat Crave, also creates Raiders/Duke/UNC content for Sports Illustrated

JP Barry - Fox Sports Spartanburg 98.3 FM, SportCLT contributor

Chase Pletcher - SportCLT contributor

We hope you’ll tune in!