Here are the final predictions as to what the Carolina Panthers' plan could look like in the 2026 NFL Draft.
We are officially one day out from the 2026 NFL Draft, and the Carolina Panthers are in one of the most intriguing spots leading up to the highly anticipated event.
General manager Dan Morgan will enter this year's draft with a total of seven picks, with the organization's first selection occurring at No. 19. While it remains unclear as to what the Panthers could do in round one, there are plenty of talented prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class that could become instant-impact players next season.
Here are my final predictions as to what the Carolina Panthers' plan could look like in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Round One, Pick No. 19: Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana)
Nov 8, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) makes a catch in the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn ImagesThe Panthers' first-round pick in this year's draft is a complete toss-up, as the organization's selection will ultimately depend on who is left on the board at No. 19.
However, the one group with plenty of depth in round one is the wide receiver position. While Texas A&M's KC Concepcion is a name that continues to be linked to Carolina, Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. could be the sneaky playmaker on the board for Morgan to target. The former National Championship winner possesses a rare yards-after-the-catch ability that the Panthers' offense lacks, and head coach Dave Canales could finally land this type of wideout in the first round.
Round Two, Pick No. 51: Treydan Stukes (Nickel, Arizona)
Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats defensive back Treydan Stukes (2) intercepts the ball against Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaren Hamilton (16) in the second half during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesIf there is one fit that could come to fruition this weekend, it is the Panthers selecting Arizona nickel Treydan Stukes in round two.
Stukes, despite being a 24-year-old prospect, is coming off one of his best seasons at the college level, recording 52 tackles, six pass deflections, and four interceptions. Carolina desperately needs a slot cornerback heading into next season, as former 2024 fifth-round pick Chau Smith-Wade is projected to be the starter in 2026. Stukes' college experience would allow him to transition easily to the NFL, making him an excellent pick.
Round Three, Pick No. 83: Zakee Wheatley (SAF, Penn State)
Continuing with the trend of defensive backs, Morgan and the front office could double up with Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley in round three.
The Panthers must find a free safety who can play in deep coverage, as the current combination of veteran Nick Scott and 2025 fourth-round pick Lathan Ransom was underwhelming during the 2025 season. Standing at 6-foot-3, 203 lbs., Wheatley possesses an ideal frame for a defensive back and can easily fit in Carolina's defense for the 2026 season and beyond.
Day Three Picks
Nov 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Eli Raridon (9) runs after a catch past Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Javon McIntyre (7) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images- Round Four, Pick No. 119: Billy Schrauth (IOL, Notre Dame)
- Round Five, Pick No. 158: Eli Raridon (TE, Notre Dame)
- Round Five, Pick No. 159: Nadame Tucker (EDGE, Western Michigan)
- Round Six, Pick No. 200: Lander Barton (LB, Utah)