Panthers might have to swing earlier than expected to land a fast rising WR prospect — why it might be an ideal strategy
The Carolina Panthers have done plenty of homework on the top pass catchers in the 2026 NFL Draft to the point where the team could pivot to another position in the first-round and target a WR on Day 2.
The Carolina Panthers have done plenty of homework on the top wide receiver prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft and general manager Dan Morgan noted he won’t hesitate to pull the trigger on the position again if the right player is there.
“I wouldn’t hesitate to draft another wideout,” Morgan explained. “I don’t think there’s a rule that says you can’t draft a wide receiver three years in a row [in the first-round]. I’m not really going to box us in and say we’re not going to draft one.”
Even if the Panthers pass on adding a wide receiver with the 19th overall pick, the team has still done plenty of scouting on top second-round options as well. And one fast rising name has entered into that conversation.
De’Zhaun Stribling has fully entered into the second-round conversation
Ole Miss wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling has been a fast rising name leading up to the draft and those around the NFL are continuing to mention his name, which is a sign that he’ll be selected earlier than expected.
“I have spoken to scouts from two different teams who have second round grades on Stribling. At this point, I think he’s solidified Day Two (rounds 2-3) status, and don’t be surprised if he goes inside of the top-75, if not higher.”
Ryan Roberts
A to Z Sports
Stribling reportedly met with the Panthers on a Zoom meeting ahead of the draft with Panthers wide receivers coach Rob Moore on the call as well. At 6-2, 207 pounds, Stribling has solid size at the position and actually is best suited in the slot.
Carolina has targeted multiple slot-types during the pre-draft process and reportedly looking for someone who can be effective after the catch. Stribling’s best trait is his willingness to block and dependability as a pass catcher.
Carolina Panthers’ ideal draft strategy is starting to reveal itself
Earlier this week, the first-round conversation for the Panthers flipped back to the safety position with Dane Brugler of The Athletic and ESPN’s Mel Kiper both linking the Panthers to a top safety with the 19th overall pick.
I’m leaning toward that belief with Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman being the top target if he’s on the board. If that’s the case, pass catcher then becomes the logical plan with the 51st overall pick in the second-round.
Stribling could easily be the player the team targets with that selection. Other potential options include Washington’s Denzel Boston, Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell II, Clemson’s Antonio Williams, or even Georgia’s tight end Oscar Delp.
If the Panthers decide to go WR/TE in the first-round, expect safety or linebacker to be the target position with the 51st overall pick.
