Even though the Carolina Panthers were aggressive, they didn’t find everything in free agency. But they have plenty of options as they head into the draft. And here is their 2026 NFL Mock Draft roundup with the pre-draft cycle ending.
The Panthers have the No. 19 pick in the first round, a little lower than they’ve had in recent years because of the good season in 2025. They need help at wide receiver, tight end, center, and defensive interior.
Let’s see what the draft gurus have in store for them.
WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
It makes sense that the Panthers will look long and hard at the wide receiver position in the first round. And one of the top four should still be the board when they pick, barring a surprising run at the position.
“The Panthers addressed most of their offensive and defensive line concerns in NFL free agency, so they can take another weapon for Bryce Young here,” Crean wrote. “Tyson does have legitimate injury concerns after missing the majority of his college career with one ailment or another. However, in terms of size, skill, and talent, he is the best WR in this draft.
“This is a gamble, but if it pays off, Tyson and Tetairoa McMillan will give Young one of the most imposing and dynamic pass-catching duos in the league.”
S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Mel Kiper Jr, ESPN
This breaks the mold, for sure. It would be a very interesting choice because McNeil-Warren has chops.
“McNeil-Warren deserves to be here,” Kiper wrote. “He has the speed and instincts to make plays, accumulating 10 forced fumbles and five interceptions over his four seasons at Toledo. McNeil-Warren could make a big impact in the secondary.”
TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Field Yates, ESPN; Staff, Bleacher Report
This would be a great weapon for quarterback Bryce Young. Because of his size, Young needs a safety blanket he can find in the middle of the field.
“Sadiq separates himself with elite athleticism,” Yates wrote. “At the Combine, he posted a 4.39-second 40-yard dash (tight end record), 43½-inch vertical jump and 11-foot-1 broad jump. Sadiq would add an element of explosive run-after-catch ability for Carolina, which needs another dynamic option next to wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.”
Daniel Harms said it’s time for the Panthers to add a true weapon at tight end.
“Sure, Sadiq is on the smaller side,” Harms said. “But he’s an aggressive-minded blocker with Y-tight end capabilities and one of the best athletes in the class, regardless of position. His yards-after-catch ability can be great for quarterback Bryce Young to provide a quick option in the passing game.
“Sadiq is still learning the finer points of route-running, but the upside is sky high. For a team with a quarterback who needs plenty of help to be effective, this tight end’s all-around upside is simply too good to pass.”
G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Matt Miller, ESPN
Another big help for Young here. He potentially gets great protection from the middle of the offensive line.
“Ioane played left guard, center, and right guard in college and has the power to be an effective run blocker at any position,” Miller wrote. “Ioane sought to play with better movement and conditioning in 2025, and his stock soared because of it. The Panthers could rebuild their offensive line around him and left tackle Ikem Ekwonu.”
Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com; Dane Brugler, The Athletic
This is a trade-up with the Ravens, moving the Panthers to No. 14. And they get much-needed help for their pass rush.
“Carolina moves ahead of Tampa, New York, and Detroit, three teams that need edge help, to grab a plug-and-play pass rusher with a deep bag of tricks and relentless motor,” Zierlein wrote.
Brugler has the Panthers landing the same player, but without needing a trade-up to do it. He said the Panthers are in the market for a charged-up edge rusher.
WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com
This would be a sneaky-good pick for the offense. Concepcion’s slot work would blend nicely with emerging star Tetairoa McMillan on the outside. This could also be a direction the Panthers might be able to go, even if they trade down. It might be a little risky, but Concepcion has lasted late in the first round in many mock drafts.
DI Caleb Banks, Florida
Danny Kelly, The Ringer
Not buying this one at all. Banks is rated high by some and low by others. It’s hard to imagine this will be the direction the Panthers choose to go.
However, Kelly backs up his selection with good arguments.
“Considering he missed almost all of the 2025 season with a foot injury, Banks is one of the biggest wild cards in this draft,” Kelly wrote. “But the Florida product’s top-tier combine performance makes him worth the risk. Banks measured in at 6-foot-6, 327 pounds with 35-inch arms and nearly 11-inch hands, and then ran the 40-yard dash in 5.04 seconds while jumping 32 inches in the vert and 9-foot-6 in the broad jump. Those are incredible numbers for any defensive tackle, not to mention one with his rare dimensions.”
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