With the 2025 NFL Trade deadline officially in the books, the Carolina Panthers now possess a better idea of where the franchise could land in the 2026 NFL Draft. And despite remaining quiet throughout the trade deadline, the organization still has the opportunity to do real damage in the upcoming draft.
Prior to the team's Week 10 contest against the New Orleans Saints, the Panthers hold the No. 16 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, with half of the 2025 season remaining.
After posting a 1-3 record throughout the first four games, Carolina managed to win four of their last five games, giving the organization a surprising 5-4 record at the halfway mark. This incredible stretch of play includes a Week 9 victory over the Green Bay Packers, which has kept the Panthers in the hunt for a potential wild-card spot.
In addition to possessing a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Carolina also holds all of their picks for the upcoming draft, along with the Minnesota Vikings’ fifth-round pick.
Here’s where all of the Panthers’ picks look as of Nov 6:
- Round One, Pick No. 16
- Round Two, Pick No. 49
- Round Three, Pick No. 80
- Round Four, Pick No. 117
- Round Five, Pick No. 155 (via MIN for WR Adam Thielen)
- Round Five, Pick No. 156
- Round Six, Pick No. 195
- Round Seven, Pick No. 230
Looking ahead at the 2026 draft, there are multiple voids on both sides of the ball that need to be addressed before next season. On defense, it’s clear that the Panthers must find a true No. 1 pass rusher for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
Auburn’s Keldric Faulk has been linked to Carolina since the beginning of the season; however, it’s there's a chance that the talented prospect will not fall out of the top 10. Outside of Faulk, Texas Tech’s David Bailey and Alabama’s LT Overton are two names that would be ideal fits for the Panthers’ front four.
Since general manager Dan Morgan decided to pass up the opportunity to take an EDGE rusher in round one of the 2025 draft, now is the perfect time to build up the trenches.
On offense, the franchise is in desperate need of a second wide receiver alongside 2025 first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan. Second-year receiver Xavier Legette has shown flashes of promise, but continues to lack consistency for quarterback Bryce Young.
Luckily for Morgan, the upcoming class is loaded with talented wide receivers that could be selected on day two.
Alabama’s Germine Bernard has seen his draft stock dramatically rise throughout the 2025 season after tallying 526 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 38 catches this year. Bernard’s ability to play both outside and inside makes him a great fit for head coach Dave Canales’ offense, while also making Legette the team’s wide receiver three.