One NFL analyst thinks the Carolina Panthers reached in the 2026 draft.
NFL analyst Mike Jones of The Athletic thinks the Carolina Panthers reached in the 2026 draft.
Carolina drafted Monroe Freeling, Lee Hunter, Chris Brazzell II, Will Lee II, Sam Hecht, Zakee Wheatley and Jackson Kuwatch.
"They spent a first-round pick on an offensive tackle (Georgia's Monroe Freeling) who has just 17 starts under his belt and may not be ready to start this year, considering he is still developing," Jones wrote. "And they took a defensive tackle (Texas Tech's Lee Hunter) in the second round, even though this wasn't considered a strong year for that position and Hunter was projected as a third-rounder.
"The Panthers may have been better served by taking an impact player at another position. Hunter could work his way into the DT rotation, but Carolina may have to wait a while to receive a return for these investments."
After this year's draft ended, Panthers head coach Dave Canales spoke about the new players he added.
Canales' hope is that Carolina left with a more competitive and talented roster.
"For me, it's always about right now, this season, and what we're doing and trying to make sure that we can get the most out of the guys that we currently have," Canales said. "We always start with our roster, but then trying to find guys that fit the traits and characteristics, personality of who the Panthers are. And that's what we were looking for, to just get more of that.
"And it's going to be the same thing every year, you know, can we, how can we make the 2026 Panthers the best possible unit that we can make it? And if we have guys that bring a certain skill set at any position, to give them a chance to compete and be out there, we just feel like it elevates the whole group."
Added Panthers GM Dan Morgan: "I definitely think we need to add some youth in there, on the interior and outside at tackle. And I feel like we accomplished that and we'll do some things in undrafted free agency as well that'll again add to the competition and depth out there."
The Panthers made the playoffs last season after winning the NFC South. They lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round at home.
Carolina QB Bryce Young finished the 2025 season with 3,011 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, 11 interceptions, 216 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. He led the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017 campaign.
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