The Carolina Panthers could surprise everyone with their first-round draft pick.
The Carolina Panthers own the 19th overall pick in the NFL Draft this year, and there are several positions the Panthers are expected to consider.
They could take a wide receiver for the third year in a row, especially given how much of a disappointment Xavier Legette has been. Tight end is also an option with Kenyon Sadiq potentially on the board at No. 19.
Another possible route is edge rusher. Yes, the Panthers signed Jaelan Phillips in free agency, but they had just 30 sacks as a team in 2025. They could use more help.
Or, maybe Carolina could go in a different direction entirely?
Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer floated the possibility of the Panthers taking a safety in Round 1, especially with Oregon's Dillon Thieneman rising up draft boards.
General manager Dan Morgan didn't seem to rule it out, either.
Dillon Thieneman. Credit: Clark Wade/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.“Those are all things that we talk through, and we discuss it, and everybody has a voice in the room and everybody gives their opinions,” Morgan said. “Yes, ultimately, I’m going to have to make the decision, but at the end of the day, it’s a collaborative effort — we’re all talking through these scenarios, all the value — those are all things we understand, and again, we wouldn’t hesitate to take a guy if we feel he’s the best player."
Safety is actually one of Carolina's most significant needs, but because it's a non-premium position, the general consensus is that the Panthers will wait until the later rounds to actually nab one.
However, Morgan has been emphatic in saying that Carolina will take the best player available. If he feels that's Thieneman, then perhaps he will pull the trigger.
There is also Ohio State's Caleb Downs, although Downs is expected to be a top-10 pick next week.
Thieneman is definitely more realistic at No. 19 and could very well be available, even with his stock having skyrocketed since the Scouting Combine.
The 21-year-old managed 96 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, a couple of interceptions and five passes defended this past season.
We'll see if the Panthers throw a major curveball and decide to select Thieneman when they are on the clock next Thursday.
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