Carolina Panthers On SI

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 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.

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.

After two years of disappointment, the writing may be on the wall for Xavier Legette's future in Carolina Oct 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) walks off the field during halftime against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium.

The Panthers have found some elite talents in the second round of the draft. Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) catches a pass against Carolina Panthers cornerback James Bradberry | Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images The first round is where NFL players get all the love, and we recently covered some of the best first-rounders in Carolina Panthers history. Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, and Julius Peppers were excellent, to name a few. But the second round has plenty of talent, too.

The Panthers can still ace the NFL Draft without targeting these three prospects Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor (3) celebrates after a sack against the Indiana Hoosiers in the third quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.

The Panthers seem disinterested in Kenyon Sadiq in the first round. Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) celebrates a touchdown | Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Look up any Carolina Panthers mock draft and there's a good chance that it projects Kenyon Sadiq to the team at 19th overall. The logic is sound. He's the best tight end by far, and the Panthers have had a gaping hole there for years. We speculated a while ago that the mock drafts, like in 2025, are wrong.

The Panthers do well in the first three rounds, but who could they pick? Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Deion Burks (4) against the Alabama Crimson Tide | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Getting good players in the NFL draft is extremely important, as the Carolina Panthers well know. But perhaps the most important thing is getting value. Getting a first-round-level prospect in the second round is good, but taking a second-round prospect in the first, even if he's a good player, is not ideal.

The Panthers can land one of the draft's best edge rushers without spending a first-round pick. Auburn defensive lineman Keyron Crawford (DL34) during the NFL Scouting Combine | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images You can never have too many edge rushers. At least, that's how Carolina Panthers GM Dan Morgan, as well as others across the NFL, feels about it. This implies that, despite signing Jaelan Phillips, another edge will join the roster in the draft.