Carolina Panthers' head coach Dave Canales recently gave some insight into what the organization's plans could be in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
As the Carolina Panthers continue to navigate their way through the 2026 NFL offseason, general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales will have a perfect opportunity to improve the roster during the 2026 NFL Draft.
While Morgan and the rest of the front office did an excellent job within the free agency market this offseason, many fans are excited to see what the organization has in store for the first round of the upcoming draft. And despite all the rumors surrounding the No. 19 pick, Canales offered some subtle hints at what the Panthers’ plan of attack could be next month.
When asked about how the organization’s plan of attack will be for the No. 19 pick in the upcoming draft, Canales told reporters on Monday afternoon that he believes the Panthers have an opportunity to “really add a value player” in round one.
I don't really believe in drafting for depth or doing things like that. It's like, who can impact our team at that level? It could be a wideout. It could be a tight end. Could be a safety. There's a couple of dynamic safeties that could free us up. The pass-rush class, we've got to still kind of see where they are at the top. Where do we think the top guys are going? Look at the mocks and all that, and see where there might be a little bit of a dropoff there. But I think it's an opportunity for us to really add a value player at 19 where we're still kind of high enough that's an impact player."
Potential Prospects for the Panthers in the 2026 NFL Draft
Oregon defensive backs Dillon Thieneman, right, and Jadon Canady bring down USC wide receiver Makai Lemon as the Oregon Ducks host the USC Trojans on Nov. 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon.After managing to land multiple veteran playmakers in free agency this offseason, such as EDGE Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd, Morgan and the front office are in a unique opportunity heading into the draft. Both positions were considered top needs for the Panthers this offseason, along with an additional left tackle. But with the Morgan addressing the void in free agency, Carolina could simply take the best player available at pick No. 19.
One name that could make perfect sense for the Panthers is Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who is coming off an impressive showing at the 2026 NFL Combine. Sadiq posted an incredible 4.39 40-yard dash while standing at 6-foot-3, 241 lbs., giving quarterback Bryce Young another physical freak in the passing game.
This year’s wide receiver class is one of the most polarizing groups in recent memory, which could become beneficial for Carolina. With Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson having lenghthy injury history and USC’s Makai Lemon being a slot receiver, both playmakers could tumble in the draft and fall into the hands of Morgan at No. 19.
Looking at the other side of the ball, the safety position will be one of the top targets for the Panthers in the upcoming draft. Luckily for the franchise, the safety class is one of the strongest position groups, with names like Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren being two potential options for the Panthers in the first round.
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