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The Panthers are strongly connected to several wide receivers in this class, but one analyst remains skeptical about it coming to fruition Jul 23, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; A Carolina Panthers helmet sits on the ground at training camp. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images The NFL Draft is now less than a week away. As the draft gets closer and closer, it feels like there’s a clearer idea of who will be taken where and which positions each team will target.

The Panthers should have their eye on these non-premier prospects next week. Florida Gators offensive lineman Austin Barber (58) walks on the field | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images Next week, the Carolina Panthers will have a new draft class coming to town. The focus will be on the top players selected, primarily those in the first three rounds, because they'll probably have the most impact.

The Panthers could trade up and target the high-impact safety, but the right move is to let the prospects come to them. Dillon Thieneman meets with the media at the 2026 NFL Combine. | Clark Wade/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images There are some prospects that the Carolina Panthers absolutely should trade up for if they find themselves anywhere near the 19th pick. Rueben Bain Jr., Caleb Downs, and Sonny Styles are those prospects. Otherwise, it's probably not smart to move up.

Another wide receiver out of the state of Arizona? Sign the Panthers up. Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Arizona Wildcats | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images CBS Sports writer Garrett Podell has been doing mock drafts all offseason. He's given the Carolina Panthers Denzel Boston, Kenyon Sadiq, and other prospects. This time, though, he changed approaches.

The Panthers can't afford to draft the really talented offensive tackle. Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images A new mock draft has surfaced, and for once, it doesn't project Kenyon Sadiq to the Carolina Panthers. Instead, it projects Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor, an interesting pick that would make some sense.

The Panthers have done well in the late rounds before. Carolina Panthers defensive back Captain Munnerlyn (41) runs on to the field before the game | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Getting late-round gems is no exact science, but teams that win usually pull it off. The Carolina Panthers may not be the most successful NFL franchise of all time, but they've won before, and they've done so thanks to a few key late-round picks.

The Panthers could use a tight end, but they could use Caleb Downs even more. Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs (2) gets into position during the 2025 Cotton Bowl | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Safety and tight end are the biggest remaining needs for the Carolina Panthers. After adding a left tackle, a linebacker, and an edge rusher, those two positions are the only ones left in need of major upgrades.

The Panthers may not end up drafting Kenyon Sadiq, but still should find an upgrade in the tight end room Dec 28, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field.

The Panthers have had their fair share of ugly misfires in the NFL draft. Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) on the field before the game | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images There is no shortage of awful draft picks in the Carolina Panthers' draft history. They have missed plenty, and some of them are particularly ugly. Even in the moment, some of these picks seemed pretty bad, and that has been proven over time.

Panthers should boost the defense even more in the NFL Draft. Here are three prospects who'd be instant contributors Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) celebrates with defensive back Ayden Garnes (9) after an interception against Arizona State Sun Devils in the second half during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J.