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.

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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.

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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

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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!

Carolina’s defense definitely improved from 2024, where they fielded the worst group ever in terms of points allowed. However, the defense still isn’t a unit that can carry the team in crunch time - the last two minutes of the playoff game against L.A. is a perfect example.

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Dan Morgan and his staff’s productive free agency has helped in this regard. The additions of Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd have helped improve the EDGE and LB units dramatically.

The units that need the most help now are the interior defensive line and the secondary, particularly safety. Still, this draft doesn’t have a high-end iDL player that would be worth Carolina’s pick at No. 19.

That leaves us with with the safety position, where three names have been thrown around as potential first round prospects.

Ohio State’s Caleb Downs is my personal top player in this class, and will likely not be available when Carolina makes their selection. Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is versatile, but his skillset overlaps with that of highly-compensated Tre’Von Moehrig.

Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman is the remainder of the three, and might just be the perfect fit for the Panthers. Let’s take a look at the dynamic Duck safety.

Profile

Thieneman started his football journey in Westfield, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis. After a solid high school career, Thieneman would earn his 3rd star, and commit to local Purdue, roughly an hour from his high school.

The safety phenom broke onto the scene as a freshman, gaining over 100 tackles and 6 interceptions for the Boilermakers. After another 100+ tackle season, Thieneman would eventually enter the transfer portal, where he was ranked as a Top 15 prospect.

Oregon would eventually win Thieneman over, and he would take his versatility and impact to Eugene for 2025. While his tackle numbers decreased, Thieneman took on a larger role for the Ducks, leading a revamped defense to the college football playoff semifinal where they would eventually fall to the national champion Hoosiers.

*Thieneman played for the Purdue Boilermakers in 2023 and 2024

Pros

To start, Thieneman is incredibly athletic. At the Combine, Thieneman put up a 4.35 40 yard dash, a 41” vertical, and a 10’5” broad jump - high end numbers. These numbers aren’t just flashy, they show up on film as well.

Thieneman’s speed and athleticism, paired with good vision into the backfield, allow him to make plays like this. Thieneman’s versatility and ability to line up across the defense in multiple alignments help in this regard as well.

Speed, vision, and good movement ability all combine to create range, one of the most important traits for a safety to possess. Thieneman’s range is my favorite part of his profile, he can start in the deep third and drop in to tackle the ball carrier or come down in coverage.

Range and being able to cover big chunks of the field aren’t the only uses for Thieneman, he can come down and play close to the line of scrimmage as well.

Playing in coverage or closer to the line of scrimmage sets Thieneman up to make game-changing plays like this - the interception in 2OT to topple Penn State. While I’d like to see more reps of Thieneman in single coverage, he has the ability to cover when necessary.

The final trait that I love about Thieneman is that he’s what I call a ‘final frame’ player. When watching the TV copy or coaches film for Oregon games, you’ll always find Thieneman in the final frame of the play, either making the tackle or running to support his teammates. This is pivotal for linebackers and safeties, and Thieneman embodies it to a tee.

Cons

Despite his speed and explosive ability to cover, Thieneman isn’t super strong or great at getting off of blocks in the run game. For someone willing to come down and hit in run support, Thieneman will have to improve his ability to shed secondary/tertiary blockers on the way to the ball.

As mentioned above, Thieneman also doesn’t have a ton of single coverage reps. For a position that requires so much versatility and different roles, Thieneman increasing his ability to cover, particularly in man, will be necessary if he wants to be a top end starter around the league.

Team Fit

As far as fit goes, Thieneman may be the single best (reasonable, Styles and Downs aren’t falling) defensive prospect for Carolina. A rangy safety that can allow Moehrig to rotate down into the box more often would be the icing on top of the cake of defensive improvements this offseason.

A backend of Moehrig-Thieneman-Horn-Jackson would be one of the best that Carolina has seen in quite some time. Pair this with the defensive additions made in free agency and the Panthers middling defense could be one of the best in the league.

The question remains, however, how valuable is the safety position in today’s NFL? The safety position is the furthest away from the ball at the snap, so how much impact can a safety truly bring? There’s a reason that safety prospects, however talented, tend to slide in the NFL Draft.

Look at Kyle Hamilton, my Number 1 prospect in 2022, who slid all the way to Pick 14 in his class.

I don’t think Baltimore regrets this pick whatsoever, and Hamilton has quickly become the best safety in the NFL, completely transforming the Ravens’ defense. And still, someone this talented made it into the teens (in a draft with no Top 10 quarterback picks).

Perhaps the key difference in 2026 is the general lack of blue chip or consensus first round talents. Kyle Hamilton had to contend with Aidan Hutchinson - Caleb Downs doesn’t really have anyone like that to deal with outside of Fernando Mendoza.

I think Carolina will take a long look at Thieneman as a potential finishing-piece for the defense. It’s hard to say if he will be the selection, given Dan Morgan’s affinity for adding premium position players early in the draft. However, the fit is undeniably good, and Thieneman would be a welcome addition to a Panthers team looking to build on last year’s playoff berth.

The NFL Draft is this week! Carolina hasn’t brought in a ton of defensive prospects (that we know of), but I’m sure they’ve done their due diligence on this year’s safeties class. If finishing the defensive overhaul is a priority, we could see Thieneman in the Process Blue this season.

For more Panthers draft coverage, check out SportCLT’s draft guide. Included are a Draft Night Bingo Board generator, our staff’s preferred players for Carolina at pick 19, a Player Card gacha game, and more.

SportCLT will also be having a live NFL Draft show during Round 1. Tune in around 7:40pm EST on April 23rd to hear analysis about the first round of the NFL Draft from members of SportCLT and quite a few guests.

We’ve made it to draft week. In celebration, SportCLT will be tracking every single Panthers rumor this week.

This list will continue to be updated, with the most recent rumors closest to the top of the page.

Everything you read here will be from credentialed and sourced individuals with a track record of accurately reporting on the Carolina Panthers.

Tuesday 9:00 AM ET Update

Joe Person released his Panthers big board for the Athletic.

Among the interesting tidbits:

About Thieneman: “The Panthers would like to find an athletic, rangy safety to patrol the back end for Ejiro Evero while Tre’von Moehrig causes havoc in the box.”

About Omar Cooper: “Keep an eye on Cooper at 19 if Thieneman is off the board.”

On drafting a round one EDGE: “I’d be a little surprised if Morgan drafted an edge rusher in the first round.”

On Jermod McCoy: “The Panthers brought him in for a 30 visit, likely to check his medicals after a torn ACL ended his final season in Knoxville.”

On Treydan Stukes: “He has the size, speed and ball skills the Panthers like in their corners. His age (25) could be an issue.”

On CJ Allen: “The sense is the Panthers have other LBs higher on their board, but Allen’s three-down skill set merits consideration.”

On Deion Burks: “If the Panthers haven’t drafted a fast, shifty receiver by Saturday, Burks could be the guy.”

Monday 7:00 PM ET Update

Adam Schefter gave his thoughts on what the Carolina Panthers could do at No. 19.

“I don’t think [Kenyon Sadiq] makes it that far, personally. They still could go with another offensive lineman, I could see that being the case. There’s been talk about tight end later in the draft. Talk about wide receiver, but they’ve taken so many wide receivers up high, that I don’t know…

To me, it’s a trenches pick, that’s the one that makes the most sense.”

Full clip courtesy of Twitter user threesandtds24:

Over the Weekend - Monday 7:30 AM ET Update

Albert Breer: “If there’s something that really moves the needle in the first round this year from a trade standpoint, I think it’s how the tackles come off the board… With so many teams having a need at the position and the position being of such great value, my guess is that the well running dry could provoke some movement.

The alley of picks where it could happen, as I see it anyway, is Baltimore at 14, Detroit at 17, Carolina at 19, Pittsburgh at 21, Philly at 23, Cleveland at 24 and Chicago at 25. If, say, after 13 picks, Mauigoa and Fano are gone and the five others are left, and you have these seven teams looming as potential suitors, it’s possible you get a little game of leapfrog going.

And teams like the Buccaneers and Jets could be beneficiaries of that.”

In Todd McShay’s pre-draft intel podcast, he had some interesting remarks about the Panthers regarding Oregon DB Dillon Thieneman:

The exact quote: “I hear Carolina has got a lot of love for Dillon Thieneman. But is he getting to 19?”

Joe Person in his most recent article for the Athletic: “If Thieneman is available and the first round hasn’t gotten too funky, he’s the Panthers’ pick.”

Person later clarified on Twitter:

Person also said of Miami EDGE Akheem Mesidor: “Mesidor’s age takes him out of the running.”

Person also clarified on an earlier report from Cameron Wolfe (NFL Network) who indicated Makai Lemon may have visited the Panthers.

We finally made it to draft week. It’s been a long draft cycle, and we still have a lot of uncertainty around who is going to go in the top-5 of this draft class.

We have also seen multiple first-round picks traded prior to the start of the draft, maybe the most I can remember. Over the weekend, Dexter Lawrence was moved for a top-10 pick. Prior to that, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Waddle were moved. Maxx Crosby was even dealt, at least temporarily.

For Carolina specifically, I think the options are beginning to narrow: It could be one of two Oregon players (TE Kenyon Sadiq and S Dillon Thieneman), a wide receiver (TAMU’s KC Concepcion or Indiana’s Omar Cooper), or an offensive tackle (Georgia’s Monroe Freeling or Clemson’s Blake Miller).

Let’s get into the Mock - my final 32-team version of this draft cycle.

A quick programming note: SportCLT will be hosting a live show during the first round of the NFL Draft. We’ll be live on Twitter and YouTube starting at 8 PM ET, so tune in to watch us react live. We’ll have some familiar faces on as guests.

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

Chalk. Not much more needs to be said.

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

I still think the New York Jets land on Bailey. Typically if teams are “rumored to be interested in moving up for a player” - which a lot are for Bailey - it’s indicative of who the NFL will value more in the draft.

3. New Orleans Saints - Arvell Reese, EDGE, Ohio State

*Saints trade pick No. 8 and a second-round pick to Arizona for No. 3

I think the Cardinals will be aggressive in trying to move down in the draft, at least from pick No. 3. The Saints move up and get a premier edge rusher and a player who many consider to be the best in the class. Mickey Loomis is no stranger to aggressive moves.

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

As much as it pains me to predict this, it really does seem as though Jeremiyah Love will be a Titan. I think there are other needs the team has to fill first (offensive line and pass-catchers specifically), but Love is an undeniably fun player that will add some much-needed juice to the Titans’ roster.

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

There has been a lot of smoke about Jordyn Tyson to the Giants, particularly after they traded for the 10th overall pick. I think if they do take Tyson, they will do it with this 5th overall pick. My main question, though: Does Jordyn Tyson feel like a John Harbaugh pick? I don’t think he does.

Styles is one of the best players in the class and fits the mold of a John Harbaugh linebacker.

6. Dallas Cowboys - Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

*Cowboys trade pick No. 12, a third-round pick, and a future second-round pick for No. 6.

I had the Cowboys trading up to pick No. 3 in my last mock. In this one, they only make the jump to six. Still, it’s an aggressive trade to get one of the difference-making defenders in this class in Caleb Downs.

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

I went back and forth on this one for a while. I think Jordyn Tyson potentially fits this offense better right now (alongside Terry McLaurin), I’m not sure how much longer McLaurin will be on this roster. Carnell Tate has true WR1 upside.

8. Arizona Cardinals - Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (FL)

*Saints trade pick No. 8 and a second-round pick to Arizona for No. 3

This is a dream scenario for Arizona. They move back, pick up pick No. 42 in the process, and still get a franchise right tackle.

9. Kansas City Chiefs - Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami (FL)

I still don’t really know where Bain goes in the top-10 if it isn’t the Kansas City Chiefs. NFL size thresholds are a real thing, and the Chiefs are more lenient than others. Bain should be a day-one difference maker.

10. New York Giants - Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

The Giants traded Dexter Lawrence for this pick, and if they miss out on Caleb Downs, I could see them going Thieneman here. The NFL seems to love Thieneman’s game. He’s a versatile, difference-making safety that should walk into the league as a high-end starter.

11. Miami Dolphins - Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Keldric Faulk will go sooner than people think. For Miami, he provides a different body type in the defensive line group. He will be one of the best run defenders in the league on day one, with a lot of room to grow as a pass rusher.

12. Cleveland Browns - Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

*Cowboys trade pick No. 12, a third-round pick, and a future second-round pick for No. 6.

If the Browns don’t view Mauigoa as a left tackle, they might not see one worth taking with the No. 6 pick. In this scenario, they move down, get some additional day two capital, and get a potential left tackle of the future in Kadyn Proctor.

13. Los Angeles Rams - Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

I think the Rams will select a pass-catcher on Thursday. They’ve spent the last two drafts trying to trade up for Brock Bowers and Tetairoa McMillan. Having the 13th pick, I think they’ll take the most dynamic pass-catcher left on the board. In this case, it’s Jordyn Tyson.

14. Baltimore Ravens - Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

I don’t normally see corners mocked to the Baltimore Ravens, but Delane falling created a unique opportunity. If Delane doesn’t fall (and he probably won’t), I’d think this pick is Vega Ioane.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (FL)

The Buccaneers seem like a match for Akheem Mesidor. They need an impact edge rusher, and Mesidor is probably walking into the NFL as an 8+ sack player. There’s less upside here, but I’d understand the swing.

16. New York Jets - Denzel Boston, WR, Washington

I think Denzel Boston will go earlier than expected. His red zone, possession style pairs well with Jets’ No. 1 receiver Garrett Wilson.

17. Detroit Lions - Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

If Kadyn Proctor is not available, I think Iheanachor is the most “Lions” tackle on the board. I could also see someone like Zion Young being a Brad Holmes target.

18. Minnesota Vikings - Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

I really don’t know what to do with this pick. I don’t think there’s a defensive tackle worthy of this pick, nor is there an interior offensive lineman (assuming Ioane is gone). Maybe the Vikings take a tackle a year early? McCoy falls, and I could see the Vikings adding an outside corner.

19. Carolina Panthers - KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M

The Panthers need juice, and KC Concepcion fits the bill. He’s a Y/Z receiver with over-the-top ability and man-coverage beating skill. He should walk into the Panthers building as the second-best pass-catcher on the roster.

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20. Dallas Cowboys - Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri

With most of the solid round one defenders off the board, it quickly becomes a “choose your flavor” draft class on that side of the ball. The NFL seems to be high on Zion Young, and I think he would fit well on a Dallas defensive line that needs some edge-setting ability.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers - Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

If the Steelers don’t take Ty Simpson, I think it will be for a tackle or pass-catcher. Freeling feels like a slam-dunk pick at this point in the draft, allowing Pittsburgh to kick Broderick Jones inside.

22. Los Angeles Chargers - Vega Ioane, OG, Penn State

It’s a short fall for Vega Ioane, who the Chargers would run the card in for. Entering 2026 with a healthy tackle room plus the additions of interior linemen Tyler Biadasz and Vega Ioane is a win for Jim Harbaugh.

23. Philadelphia Eagles - Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah

The Eagles offensive line struggled for the first time in forever in 2025. Caleb Lomu is a bit more raw than the tackles taken before him, but he’s big, talented, and worthy of a first-round pick.

24. Cleveland Browns - Makai Lemon, WR, USC

I think Andrew Berry runs the card in for Makai Lemon, who should grade well on the Browns’ analytics models. Lemon should be a primary target that desperately needs receiver help.

25. Chicago Bears - Spencer Fano, OT, Utah

I think Fano will go earlier than this, but it’s hard to tell which teams would be more willing to take him. In the Bears’ case, they have a variety of “maybe” players on their offensive line. I think they’d be able to find a spot for Fano to start. He, to me, has true 5-position versatility.

26. Buffalo Bills - Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF

Malachi Lawrence has skyrocketed up draft boards since January. He’s an exciting edge prospect that should add some juice to the Bills pass-rushing group.

27. San Francisco 49ers - Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

Blake Miller should go at some point in the first round. He fits a 49ers team that seemingly always needs offensive line help. Miller is as consistent as it gets, even if he has less upside than a lot of the tackle class this year.

28. Houston Texans - Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M

I think there will be another interior offensive lineman that goes in the first round (in addition to Ioane). Bisontis is someone I could see Nick Caserio wanting to add to the offensive line, particularly after Houston’s playoff game against New England.

29. Kansas City Chiefs - Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

There’s a variety of corners that could go here, and I do think it will be a corner. But Johnson is silky smooth, sticky in coverage, and would start for Kansas City this year.

30. Miami Dolphins - Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

While Keldric Faulk at 11 was a “boring” pick, Omar Cooper is someone who should add some juice to the Miami offense.

31. New England Patriots - Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

New England gets lucky with Sadiq falling in their lap at 31. He’s a good, not great tight end prospect that is worthy of a first round pick in this class. The Patriots still need juice, Sadiq brings it.

32. Arizona Cardinals - Ty Simpson, QB, Alabama

*Cardinals trade pick No. 34 and an early day three pick to Seahawks for No. 32.

Seattle moves back an acquires an early 4th-rounder, which is a big price to pay to move up two spots for Arizona. Still, the Cardinals get a potential starting quarterback in Simpson, and they’d have another early second-round pick from their earlier trade with New Orleans.

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The Carolina Panthers are scheduled to be on the clock with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Mock drafts are flying about, with most expecting general manager Dan Morgan to add a playmaker of some sort: a pass catcher or defensive back.

But lost in all of those mock drafts and speculation is the idea of a trade - in one way or another.

Trades happen all over the board in round one, and in spite of there being only four trades in last year’s first round, the possibility of Carolina trading down or up from the 19th pick serves as a more real possibility than what one would initially think - particularly with Dan Morgan’s history specifically.

Dan Morgan’s previous stops

The first thing here that I want to cover is Dan Morgan’s history with both the Seattle Seahawks (executive from 2015 to 2018) and Buffalo Bills (2018 to 2020).

Throughout Morgan’s time in Seattle, the Seahawks were among the more trade-happy teams, often moving down to acquire additional capital.

The Seahawks traded down from their original first round pick in both 2016 and 2017 to acquire day two draft capital. Seattle left both of those drafts with at least ten players.

In Buffalo, Morgan was a part of a staff that also prioritized draft picks, though Morgan’s stint was in a more aggressive time period for the Bills, as they traded a first-round pick for Stefon Diggs in 2020.

Here are what those drafts looked like, per Pro Football Reference:

Seahawks:

Bills:

There isn’t a single draft class listed here in which the Bills/Seahawks didn’t bring in at least seven rookies. And in the lone draft class of only seven players, the Bills had traded for Stefon Diggs.

Dan Morgan’s Drafts in Carolina

The Panthers have been arguably one of the most trade-happy teams in the NFL over the course of the past two drafts. They’ve made a grand total of six deals over the past two seasons - and almost dealt the 8th overall pick to the Los Angeles Rams before selecting Tetairoa McMillan.

There has been a clear emphasis on extracting the maximum value out of each draft pick that Carolina holds. It’s not just me saying that either.

Here’s what Morgan said on the possibility of moving back from the No. 8 pick prior to the 2025 NFL Draft:

"I don't really wanna get into specifics on where I would want to trade back to, but we're definitely open to trading back and acquiring more picks. I think we're gonna be open to all possibilities — let's put it that way."

And here’s another quote from Morgan prior to the 2024 NFL Draft:

“Trading up, those are discussions that we still have to have. I think everything’s on the table. I don’t want to box us in right now.”

There is undoubtedly a certain comfort level that Morgan (and his staff) have with trading up and down, but the first-round specifically is a different type of calculation.

But the No. 19 pick is much different than owning a top-10 pick.

The Panthers have made a trade for every single top-100 pick they’ve selected with the exception of McMillan (No. 8) last year.

They traded up for Xavier Legette.
They traded down (and then back up) for Jonathon Brooks.
They traded down for Trevin Wallace.
They traded up for Nic Scourton.
They traded up for Princely Umanmielen.

That’s a lot of movement.

But draft day movement is a bit more common than maybe what you think. In 2025, six teams picked in spots that were not their original pick (in the first round). From 2020 through 2024, at least ten teams each year picked in spots that was not their original pick (in the first round).

This is all to say one thing: while we currently project the Panthers to pick at the 19th overall selection, the odds of them trading up or down from that pick are much higher than what we might think.

If I had to put an actual number to it, I’d say there’s probably around a 40% chance make a draft night trade during the first round.

A lot of the focus in recent weeks has been on another first-round wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers. However, receiver isn’t the only position that can bring the juice on offense.

One of the elements Carolina’s offense has lacked in recent years has been an explosive option over the middle of the field. While slot receivers can occasionally give the team some juice, nothing beats a truly athletic mismatch tight end.

The Panthers haven’t had this element on offense since the days of prime Greg Olsen, who was the first tight end in NFL history to record consecutive 1000 receiving yard seasons.

This year, there seems to be a favorite at the position to try to reach these heights. Let’s take a look at the standout Oregon tight end: Kenyon Sadiq.

Profile

Kenyon Sadiq’s football journey began in Idaho Falls, ID, at Skyline High School, where he competed in football, basketball, and track and field. His exploits as a football player, where he played both offense and defense, would earn him his 4th recruiting star.

Sadiq eventually committed and enrolled at Oregon, which may only be one state over, but is close to an eleven-hour drive. Through three seasons in Eugene, Sadiq would put up a somewhat underwhelming stat line, but his impact on the field goes beyond the box score.

In Sadiq’s last two seasons, Oregon would appear in the College Football Playoff, and in 2025 would reach the semifinal round before ultimately losing to the eventual champion Indiana Hoosiers.

Pros

To start, Sadiq is a phenomenal athlete. His NFL Combine performance aside, it’s easy to see how much of a mismatch Sadiq is for defenders. His size/frame, speed, and agility for the position are rare, and allow him to beat college defenders.

Along with his athletic traits, Sadiq is already an advanced route runner for the position. Even if the ball didn’t find him with a high frequency, Sadiq still beat his defenders with good movement.

Here, against Northwestern, Sadiq freezes the defender with a stutter, giving him all the space in the world to bring in the touchdown. I imagine most of Sadiq’s routes will come from the interior of the line of scrimmage in his rookie season, and Sadiq already knows how to set up defenders.

Not to belabor the point, but Sadiq is an athletic mismatch. The speed and explosive ability he displayed at the combine show up on tape. For college-level defensive backs that don’t have the range or size to reroute Sadiq, it’s not even a fair fight.

In general, Sadiq has reliable hands and is able to bring in contested catches on the rare occasion that defenders can keep up with him. While Sadiq posted a career-high drop rate of 9.0% this season, I expect this number to decrease once he’s in a situation with a more reliable middle of the field passer.

One of Sadiq’s potential areas of growth as a prospect is as a blocker. For someone who’s only had one real year of starting experience at the college level, Sadiq is already a pretty good run blocker, getting to his spots to help seal the edges and open up holes.

Sadiq’s compact frame and strong lower body give him the tools to displace in the run game if he gets clean contact on players. The next step in his blocking game will be to help in pass pro when called upon.

Cons

As mentioned above, Sadiq is still improving as a blocker. A lot of his improvement will simply come with more reps over time, but similarly to last year’s Colston Loveland, Sadiq currently wins a lot of blocking matchups largely in part to him being the better athlete.

Probably the biggest blemish in Sadiq’s profile, however, is his overall lack of production. Over the course of his career, Sadiq averages a measly 21.2 yards per game, which would be the lowest of any first-round tight end selected over the past decade.

That number jumped up to 40 yards per game in his lone year as a starter, but it is still an extremely low number and not what teams usually look for in first-round draft picks.

Part of this low usage can be explained by Oregon’s system during the Will Stein era, which prioritizes downfield play-action looks, but the reality is that dominant players demand touches, and Sadiq was unable to do that consistently this season.

To this point, Sadiq has never had a 100-yard receiving game in his career.

Perhaps more worrisome in this regard is that fellow Oregon tight end Jamari Johnson seemed to outproduce Sadiq down the stretch of the season, adding 190 yards and 2 touchdowns on 9 receptions compared to Sadiq’s 70 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 11 catches during Oregon’s three playoff matchups.

Teams will have to measure risk vs. potential when it comes to Sadiq as a first-round pick.

Team Fit

As far as fit goes, there probably isn’t a team in the NFL that needs an upgrade at tight end more than the Carolina Panthers. If that’s the direction the team went, Sadiq would be able to step in from day one and start as the go-to receiving tight end.

I think an interesting wrinkle of Sadiq vs. taking a wide receiver in Round 1 of the draft is how Carolina could deploy their offensive personnel. Dave Canales seemed to want to add a viable 12 personnel (1 running back, 2 tight ends) option to the offense, but the lack of a real receiving tight end always halted these plays.

Adding Sadiq could give Canales and new offensive play caller Brad Idzik the chance of using effective 12 personnel to mix up the run and pass games.

In my opinion, Sadiq would be an excellent fit for the starting offense and would still give the high-investment receivers a chance to start. However, the question of drafting Sadiq isn’t about fit - it’s about whether the value of a first-round tight.

If Sadiq is the pick in Round 1, he will immediately be around the 29th-32nd highest-paid tight end on an average annual value (AAV) basis. In a vacuum, this isn’t too bad. But if a wide receiver is making the 19th pick salary (~ $5 million), it would amount to the 45th highest wide receiver contract - a decent jump in contractual value.

This question of value becomes compounded when you take into consideration Sadiq’s lack of high-end production. Whichever team adds Sadiq will be taking on a significant level of risk.

We’re only 10 days from the first round of the NFL Draft. To this point, Carolina has brought in quite a few offensive weapons to evaluate. If Dan Morgan’s history of drafting players the team has gotten an extended look at holds true, Sadiq may not be the choice - unless he’s had a visit to Carolina that hasn’t been reported.

For more Panthers draft coverage, check out SportCLT’s draft guide. Included are a Draft Night Bingo Board generator, our staff’s favorite players in the draft, 100 Player Cards similar to the one above, and more.

SportCLT will also be having a live NFL Draft show. Tune in around 7:45pm EST on April 23rd to hear analysis about the first round of the NFL Draft.

As of today (April 9), Carolina will have hosted three different wide receivers for 30 Visits:

• Oklahoma’s Deion Burks, who tracks to be a later round pick

• Washington’s Denzel Boston, a big-framed jump ball winner more in the mold of who the team currently employs

• Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr, our subject for today’s article

KC Concepcion, who I talked about last week, also visited the team but will count as a Local Visit, given his ties to Charlotte.

All the stuff about Carolina’s offense needing an upgrade is still true - the team hasn’t added anyone in free agency to help create explosive plays.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the recipient of what I would consider to be the play of the year in college football this past season: Omar Cooper Jr.

Profile

Omar Cooper’s football career began in Indianapolis at Lawrence North High School, a short hour drive from where Cooper would eventually commit. In high school, Cooper was a three sport athlete, also competing in basketball* and track and field as a long jumper.

*Omar Jr’s twin brother Sharife Cooper would eventually commit to Auburn’s basketball program and land in the NBA after earning SEC All-Freshman Team honors

In high school, Cooper’s best season came in his junior year, where he amassed 1101 yards and 13 touchdowns on only 38 receptions. Following his junior season, Cooper would visit and commit to Indiana, where he would become a full-time starter in year three.

Cooper burst onto the scene during his redshirt sophomore season, leading the Big Ten in yards per reception (21.2). However, his contributions last season not only helped win a National Championship, but landed Cooper a spot on the 2nd Team All-Big Ten squad.

Pros

The first thing that comes to mind when talking about Omar Cooper Jr. is the reliability he brings to the game. Cooper has some of the best hands in college football, catching almost everything thrown his way.

His hands are reliable, sure - but Cooper also excels during the process of the catch. Cooper’s compact frame for his size allows him to box out receivers, creating safer windows for the QB to get the ball to.

Another big plus in Cooper’s QB-friendly game is his fluidity. Fluid movement means getting to your spots in the most efficient way possible, without wasting extra steps. Cooper is succinct in his movement both before and after the catch, which gives him the ability to burst out of the catch and create YAC opportunities.

Because Cooper isn’t the fastest or most explosive, he has to be good at not wasting movement. Most of his touchdown catches illustrate just how good Cooper is with this particular skill.

Whether it’s a double move intermediate score, or a short area route into the endzone, Cooper makes his moves quick and concise.

Fans may not think about this as a major part of the position, but Cooper is also a strong and willing blocker in the run game. This blocking strength gives Cooper the ability to not only align at the slot and Z receiver spots, but allows him to play inline and be an extra blocker vs. the run.

Cooper’s fluid route-running, his utility in the run game, and his reliability at the catch point make him a well-rounded threat that can attack the field in many different ways. For a Carolina team that still needs to round out the receiving corps, Cooper is worth a look.

Cons

While Cooper doesn’t mess around with his movement, he isn’t as explosive as some of the other receiver options in the draft. Carolina’s top priority when adding new receivers should be speed, YAC ability, and the ability to create explosives. That isn’t necessarily Cooper’s game.

Cooper also doesn’t fit into the traditional WR mold that the Canales/Morgan regime has targeted recently. All of Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker are listed at 6’3+ or above and 210+ lbs.

Cooper is not that height or weight.

Team Fit

If Carolina comes away from Cooper’s 30 Visit thinking he’s too good to pass up, there’s a real chance he’s the pick at 19. Recent draft intel indicates that many teams in the middle of the draft are in love with Cooper, so the 19th selection falls right in line.

Selecting three consecutive first round wide receivers isn’t the best asset management, but rounding out the WR group is probably Carolina’s biggest need following a productive free agency.

As far as the fit, I think Cooper would be a worthwhile selection. He doesn’t have the high-end explosive ability of someone like KC Concepcion, but Cooper’s superpower is reliability.

For a group of receivers including McMillan (multiple frustrating one-handed drops), Coker (hasn’t played in a full season yet), and Legette (unreliable at the catch point), adding a sure-handed receiver that will do his job every down is incredibly enticing.

Adding a dependable receiver will make Brad Idzik and Bryce Young’s jobs much easier. If selected, I’d have to imagine that Cooper and Coker would rotate the slot and Z receiver positions, while McMillan holds down the X role.

With only two weeks until the first night of the NFL Draft, Carolina has brought in many different players to evaluate. If Morgan’s history of adding players that spent time in the building holds true, we may see Omar Cooper Jr. in Process Blue this season.

For more Panthers draft coverage, check out SportCLT’s draft guide. Included are 100 Player Cards similar to the one above, a full Big Board, a breakdown of Carolina’s roster and positional needs, and more.

SportCLT will have a live NFL Draft show as well. Tune in on Night One (4.23 ~ 8pm EST) to hear analysis on how the first round of the draft shakes out.

The NFL Draft is less than two weeks away - and to celebrate - we’re doing a two-round mock draft with trades.

Just this week, we essentially got confirmation that the first overall pick is going to be Fernando Mendoza (not that we didn’t already know this), and many analysts came out hinting that David Bailey is the favorite at the second overall pick.

Rumor season also means smokescreen season - but that also mean’s it’s the best time of year.

If you’re interested in learning more about each of the prospects mentioned in this mock draft, check out our Carolina Panthers draft guide: it’s free and available now.

1. Las Vegas Raiders - Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana)

Kirk Cousins basically all but confirmed that the Raiders would be taking Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. The only question now is whether the Raiders will waste our time by using up the entire pick clock before submitting Mendoza’s name.

2. New York Jets - David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)

This pick looks to be trending in the direction of David Bailey - who was arguably the most accomplished pass-rusher in college football in 2025. He’s someone that requires less projection than Arvell Reese, and he’s got prototype-type length for the position.

3. Dallas Cowboys - Arvell Reese (EDGE, Ohio State)

*Cowboys trade picks 12 & 20 to the Cardinals for pick #3.

Surprise! Everything Dallas has done over the past six months has indicated they want to be aggressive. Arvell Reese being available at pick #3 would be a unique circumstance, and while the Cardinals certainly could stick and pick him, they have so many holes on their roster. Dallas, in this scenario, values Reese more than any two players in the mid-first round.

4. Tennessee Titans - Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State)

All of the speculation here is about Notre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love, but I can’t get over the opportunity that the Titans have to add to their horrendous receiving core. Tate is the best receiving prospect in the draft. The Titans still will have the opportunity to take a RB on day two (Jadarian Price, maybe?).

5. New York Giants - Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)

John Harbaugh values the linebacker position, and Styles is the best prospect at the position that we’ve seen in a long time. This is another spot where we could see Love, but it’s harder for me to see a world where the Giants pass up on Styles.

6. Cleveland Browns - Makai Lemon (WR, USC)

One of the trends I think we’ll see is wide receivers going earlier than expected. Lemon was the most productive pass-catcher in college football last season, and he should be someone that the analytically-minded front office in Cleveland values. Truthfully, there’s just not an offensive lineman worthy of this pick, even with Mauigoa still on the board.

7. Washington Commanders - Jeremiah Love (RB, Notre Dame)

This, to me, is the spot for Love. The Commanders are a team that needs the juice but has some proof of concept as a playoff team already. Rather than being what the offense is built upon, Love is an accelerant for what should be a solid base already.

8. New Orleans Saints - Mansoor Delane (CB, LSU)

The Saints could truly go in any direction here. With two receivers off the board as well as both Reese and Bailey, this pick came down to Delane and Bain.

But looking at the Mickey Loomis draft history, New Orleans almost exclusively opts for bigger defensive ends. Delane is someone that should come in and start as the team’s best cover corner on day one.

9. Kansas City Chiefs - Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami FL)

The Chiefs aren’t a team that typically cares about size thresholds, ending Rueben Bain’s slide. For what it’s worth, I’d take Bain with the second overall pick.

10. Cincinnati Bengals - Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)

There’s an argument to be made that Downs should fall further than this due to positional value, but Downs is the best prospect in the draft regardless of position, if you asked me - and I think he walks into the Bengals defense as a game-changing secondary piece.

11. Miami Dolphins - Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami FL)

The Dolphins are kicking off a tear-down, and most general managers prioritize trench play in this situation. Mauigoa could be selected as high as third overall, and should start in year one for Miami.

12. Arizona Cardinals - Spencer Fano (OT, Utah)

*Cardinals receive picks 12 & 20 from Cowboys in exchange for pick #3

Similarly to the Dolphins, Arizona is staring down a pretty rough 2026-27 season. They need a tackle opposite Paris Johnson, and while some view Fano is more of an interior player, I think Fano is as close to you can get as a guaranteed NFL starter - at one position or another.

13. Los Angeles Rams - Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)

The Rams took Sadiq’s teammate in Terrance Ferguson last year in the second round, but Sadiq is a different caliber of player. The Rams have been looking for a field-shifting tight end for several years now, and this would be the perfect opportunity to land one.

14. Baltimore Ravens - Vega Ioane (OG, Penn State)

The Ravens need to fortify their trenches, and after rescinding the Maxx Crosby trade, they have a few different options with this pick. Ioane would slot right into their interior, though, and is the cleanest plug-and-play guard in the entire draft class.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Akheem Mesidor (EDGE, Miami FL)

There’s older players, and then there’s Akheem Mesidor. The Buccaneers are one of the teams I could see taking Mesidor as a win-now pass-rusher. Tampa has struggled for a while with juice off the edge, and with a coach on the hot seat, he may be the best bet for pressuring the quarterback in 2026.

16. New York Jets - Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana)

There’s a lot of different receivers to pick from here, and Omar Cooper is certainly a dynamic option. The Jets look to be building out the infrastructure for a potential QB pick in 2027, and Cooper gives New York an exciting Robin to Garrett Wilson’s Batman.

17. Detroit Lions - Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama)

There is going to be a team that sees Kadyn Proctor’s physical traits and takes him early. In this case, he’d be the future right tackle of the Detroit Lions.

18. Minnesota Vikings - Jermod McCoy (CB, Tennessee)

Everyone has type-cast Dillon Thieneman to Minnesota, but I think McCoy makes too much sense as an outside corner if he falls to this spot. The Vikings signed James Pierre to a small deal, but McCoy might have been a top-5 pick if he played at all in 2025.

19. Carolina Panthers - KC Concepcion (WR, Texas A&M)

I maintain the stance of Carolina’s biggest need being wide receiver in spite of their heavy investment at the position recently. They simply do not have any dynamic element on their offense. On draft night, I think this pick comes down to one of Omar Cooper, KC Concepcion, Kenyon Sadiq, or an offensive tackle.

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20. Arizona Cardinals - Dillon Thieneman (S, Oregon)

*Cardinals receive picks 12 & 20 from Cowboys in exchange for pick #3

The Cardinals picked up this pick when they moved down from 3 to 12 in this mock. Thieneman is a dynamic safety that can play in a variety of roles. For a team that needs to add building blocks in any way possible, Thieneman makes sense as a chess piece on the back end of the defense.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers - Monroe Freeling (OT, Georgia)

The Broderick Jones experience at left tackle could be going better, but moving Jones to guard while Freeling steps in at tackle is a plan I could get behind.

22. Los Angeles Chargers - Chase Bisontis (OG, Texas A&M)

The Chargers need more pieces on the interior of their offensive line, and I think they will be determined to avoid their OL catastrophe from 2025.

23. Philadelphia Eagles - Max Iheanachor (OT, Arizona State)

I could see a world in which Iheanachor goes much, much earlier than this. But he feels like a Howie Roseman-type pick, right? He’s a toolsy tackle that moves well, is developmentally young, and showed some of the better flashes of any tackle in this draft.

24. Cleveland Browns - Caleb Lomu (OT, Utah)

Despite the Browns passing on OL earlier in this mock draft, they are still able to grab a left tackle prospect that should start for them in 2026.

25. Chicago Bears - Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn)

Chicago could attack a variety of different spots in their front seven, but Faulk has fallen far enough. He’s a big defensive end that should be an NFL starter simply because of his edge-setting ability.

26. Buffalo Bills - Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State)

The Bills gave up a second-round pick for DJ Moore already, but Tyson is a talent that could complete their receiver room. He’s a big, fast receiver with unreal ball skills but medical red flags. Brandon Beane needs to ensure his pass-catchers don’t let down Josh Allen again.

27. San Francisco 49ers - Keylan Rutledge (OG, Georgia Tech)

The 49ers have needed offensive line forever, and Rutledge is a versatile piece that could start at any interior spot.

28. Houston Texans - Peter Woods (DT, Clemson)

Peter Woods was once considered a no-doubt top-five pick. This season didn’t go as planned, but there’s a scenario where the talent wins out and the Texans make out like bandits with this pick.

29. Kansas City Chiefs - Colton Hood (CB, Tennessee)

The Chiefs’ current starting secondary is rough, and Hood is a corner that projects as an immediate starter. He’s provide help on the outside, though there likely are some growing pains - like most rookie corners.

30. Miami Dolphins - Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, UCF)

After adding Mauigoa with their first pick, the Dolphins turn right back around and grab a front-seven player. The buzz for Lawrence in the first round is real, and the Dolphins need to stack talent along the defensive line. Lawrence is a very fun fit alongside Kenneth Grant and Chop Robinson.

31. New England Patriots - Blake Miller (OT, Clemson)

The Patriots still have a need for offensive line, and none of the receivers available here make sense in New England’s offense. Blake Miller could compete from the jump with Morgan Moses, and in the worst-case provides depth in year one. I don’t think Vrabel wants to take chances on the offensive line.

32. New Orleans Saints - Denzel Boston (WR, Washington)

*Saints trade pick #42 and a third-round pick to Seattle for pick #32

In this scenario, the Saints receivers being plucked off the board and move up to grab someone that would fit really well in their offense. Denzel Boston is a true X-WR that can bring down contested grabs. He’d play a valuable role - one that teams value more than people think.

Round Two

33. New York Jets - CJ Allen (LB, Georgia)

34. Arizona Cardinals - Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama)

35. Tennessee Titans - Jadarian Price (RB, Notre Dame)

36. Las Vegas Raiders - Germie Bernard (WR, Alabama)

37. New York Giants - D’Angelo Ponds (CB, Indiana)

38. Indianapolis Colts - Elijah Sarratt (WR, Indiana)

*Texans trade pick #38 to the Colts for pick #47 and a third-round pick

The Colts went from having a ton of receiving talent to being down to two starting-caliber players at the position. Sarratt is a player that could play the Pittman role, even if he’s not going to be as good of a player in 2026.

39. Cleveland Browns - Emmanuel Pregnon (OG, Oregon)

40. Kansas City Chiefs - Max Klare (TE, Ohio State)

41. Cincinnati Bengals - Kayden McDonald (DT, Ohio State)

42. Seattle Seahawks - Chris Johnson (CB, San Diego State)

*Saints trade pick #42 and a third-round pick to Seattle for pick #32

The Seahawks getting Chris Johnson this late would be a steal. He’s an uber-fluid corner that could step in and start from the jump. I find it very likely that Seattle trades down from the 32nd overall pick, given they only have four selections in 2026.

43. Miami Dolphins - Avieon Terrell (CB, Clemson)

44. New York Jets - Gennings Dunker (OG, Iowa)

45. Baltimore Ravens - Christen Miller (DT, Georgia)

46. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech)

47. Houston Texans - Connor Lew (C, Auburn)

*Texans receive pick #47 and a third-round pick from the Indianapolis Colts for pick #38

48. Los Angeles Rams - Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (S, Toledo)

*Rams receive pick #48 from the Atlanta Falcons for pick #61 and a third-round pick

Kenyon Sadiq and EMW is quite the haul for a team that didn’t really lose all that much in the offseason.

49. Minnesota Vikings - Caleb Banks (DT, Florida)

50. Detroit Lions - Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri)

This just feels like a Brad Holmes pick, right?

51. Carolina Panthers - Anthony Hill Jr. (LB, Texas)

I think general manager Dan Morgan will love Anthony Hill. He’s long, athletic, and a 3-year producer at Texas. For a team that wants more pressure on the quarterback, Hill provides a unique skill set that could help in certain packages. He’s almost like a diet version of what Carolina could have had in Jalon Walker.

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52. Green Bay Packers - Brandon Cisse (CB, South Carolina)

53. Pittsburgh Steelers - Chris Bell (WR, Louisville)

54. Philadelphia Eagles - Oscar Delp (TE, Georgia)

55. Los Angeles Chargers - T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson)

56. Jacksonville Jaguars - Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech)

57. Chicago Bears - Treydan Stukes (CB, Arizona)

58. San Francisco 49ers - Antonio Williams (WR, Clemson)

59. Houston Texans - Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt)

60. Chicago Bears - A.J. Haulcy (S, LSU)

61. Atlanta Falcons - Caleb Tiernan (OT, Northwestern)

*Rams receive pick #48 from the Atlanta Falcons for pick #61 and a third-round pick

The Falcons trading back seems inevitable - general manager Ian Cunningham has stated that they want to get more picks. The easiest way to go about that is trading back.

62. Denver Broncos - Josiah Trotter (LB, Missouri)

63. New England Patriots - Ted Hurst (WR, Georgia State)

64. Seattle Seahawks - Mike Washington Jr. (RB, Arkansas)

The Carolina Panthers Draft Guide is AVAILABLE NOW to ALL SportCLT subscribers. We’ve worked countless hours to bring this guide to you, and we’re incredibly excited to deliver an interactive, team-specific product.

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The Panthers Draft Guide features:

• Top-100 Players, along with a player card for each one.

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