Could the Carolina Panthers walk away from the 2026 NFL Draft with another highly-touted weapon?
With the 2026 NFL Draft just around the corner, the Carolina Panthers and general manager Dan Morgan will look to build off their most recent success from the offseason during the highly anticipated event.
The Panthers were able to address some of the organization’s top needs throughout this offseason, signing EDGE Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. Now, Morgan is in a unique spot leading up to the upcoming draft, as he could take the best player available in the first round at pick No. 19.
In his most recent 2026 NFL Mock Draft, NFL analyst Charles Davis had the Panthers selecting one of the most polarizing prospects in this year’s draft: USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.
“A slot-routes master with a ton of toughness, Lemon complements 2025 OROY Tetairoa McMillan and gives QB Bryce Young another dynamic option,” Davis wrote.
Would Lemon Work in Panthers’ Offense?
Lemon has been one of the more intriguing players in this year’s draft class, as the talented playmaker is coming off an excellent final season with the Trojans in 2025.
Prior to his outstanding run this past season, Lemon caught the attention of many NFL scouts during the 2024 college football season, recording 764 receiving yards and three touchdowns on just 52 catches. And with all eyes on the young playmaker in 2025, he managed to put up even more impressive numbers, tallying 1,156 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
Despite his impressive career at USC, Lemon has seen his draft stock take a significant hit this offseason due to his small frame. Standing at 5-foot-11, 192 lbs., many NFL teams could be concerned with his stature and how it will affect him at the next level. Lemon has proven to be a dominant pass catcher when up against zone coverage, but showed signs of struggle while facing man coverage.
Looking at how he would fit in the Panthers' offense next season, Lemon would be the perfect slot receiver to round out the organization’s wide receiver corps alongside McMillian and Jalen Coker. While Coker played nearly half of his snaps in the slot last season, the addition of Lemon would allow him to play outside for Carolina and give Young a perfect weapon against zone coverage.
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