The Carolina Panthers might consider a draft-day trade. They certainly have their share of first-round options. And here are the Panthers’ bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Picking at No. 19 in the first round, the Panthers have some waiting to do. They can hope an impact player slips through the cracks. They usually do in this annual unpredictable event. But once things get closer to their selection, how aggressive will they be?
The Panthers will pick the best receiver available
This is a “regardless” prediction, even if there’s a run on receivers. Of course, if a no-brainer like Caleb Downs falls this far, that’s different. But there’s almost zero chance of that happening.
But let’s look at how far the Panthers would go.
Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson — run to the podium
Ohio State’s Carnell Tate — walk briskly to the podium
USC’s Makai Lemon — don’t use much of the allotted time
All of those guys might be gone. But this is where it gets fun. The Panthers could have a choice between Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell or Omar Cooper Jr. of Indiana. Washington’s Denzell Boston or KC Concepcion of Texas A&M are also possibilities.
Brazzell would be the boldest move. He’s going to make some team very happy, according to NFL.com, which sees him as an eventual plus starter. He’s 6-foot-4, 198 pounds, and can make plays down the field.
“Long-limbed ‘Z’ receiver with the ability to create downfield for an offense thirsty to make more explosive plays outside,” Lance Zierlein wrote. “Brazzell’s 2025 tape shows the game slowing down for him, allowing the production to catch up with the traits. He builds to speed with long strides and dominates above the rim. He’s adept at using length and body control to capture air space against cornerbacks.
“(Brazzell is) a more competent route runner than most field-stretcher types. But he needs to become more physical on contested targets underneath. Brazzell didn’t see many in-your-face press challenges this past season, but he’s likely to get an early taste of it as a pro. Two-high shells and zone-heavy looks can shrink his snap-to-snap impact. But the quick-strike potential is real.”
Cooper also has that look. It’s a size thing, according to NFL.com.
“Big, strong target whose two-year rise is bolstered by translatable tape,” Zierlein wrote. “While he was a full-time slot receiver in 2025, Cooper has played outside, as well. He can stem and drive past press with his strength. He has potent early acceleration to climb past nickelbacks into top position to challenge deep.
“His ability to add yards after contact could earn Cooper more carries than we saw from him at Indiana.”
This would make it the third straight year the Panthers have grabbed a wide receiver in the first round.
Panthers go hard on defense after first round
It’s not that a receiver will solve all of the Panthers issues for 2026. And they will have to find a way to address the offensive line.
But the Panthers need defensive juice if they’re going to make another playoff run. And that means upgrading the secondary and adding another good body to the edge-rusher rotation.
The turning point of the draft could be pick No. 51. The Panthers have to hit with that pick. And it likely needs to be the safety position if the team goes with a first-round wideout.
The player they can hope for is Emmanuel McNeil-Warren of Toledo. But he’s probably off the board before No. 51. So that means they could look at LSU’s AJ Haulcy. He has potential, according to NFL Draft Buzz.
“Haulcy’s tape is the tape of a zone coverage safety who understands spacing,” NFL Draft Buzz wrote. “He sits between route concepts, processes the quarterback’s progressions, and arrives on the ball with timing that comes from recognition, not guessing. That skill set translates directly to defenses that lean on two-high shells and split-field coverage. He is not a centerfield-type safety.
“The speed and hip fluidity to patrol deep thirds alone against NFL speed are not there. But in a structure where he can work from the hash to the numbers, play as a robber, or handle half-field zone responsibilities, he will limit throws into his area and come up with the ball when quarterbacks test him.”
Yes, it’s scheme-dependent for Haulcy. But he could fit with the Panthers.
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