Panthers 7-Round 2026 Mock Draft: Slight trade down gives Dan Morgan extra swings while still landing a top pass catcher
The Carolina Panthers haven’t been shy about revealing their intentions in the first-round of the 2026 NFL Draft and a run at other positions could allow the team to move back and still accomplish their goal.
The 2026 NFL Draft is just nine days away from kicking off and the Carolina Panthers haven’t been shy about revealing their intentions as it relates to their first-round plans.
The Panthers have been heavily linked to the top pass catchers in the class to give quarterback Bryce Young another top target going into a critical evaluation year. Fittingly, latest intel by NFL Insider Albert Breer bodes well for the Panthers’ plans.
“I don’t sense there’s a consensus No. 2 at the receiver position, with USC’s Makai Lemon, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion and Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. among those that different teams see as the next guy after Tate,” Breer wrote on Monday. “I also think the depth of the draft class at the position could lead to some teams passing on receivers altogether in the first round.”
That makes me think the Panthers could move back in the first-round and still come away with a top wide receiver. So, let’s explore that possibility by doing a seven-round mock draft using the new A to Z Sports Mock Draft Simulator.
Here’s the trade offer I accepted: Panthers trade pick No. 19 to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for picks No. 24, 107, and 146.
Round 1, pick 24 (via CLE): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
This trade back proved to be fruitful for the Panthers. After Carnell Tate, the only pass catchers to come off the board were Makai Lemon and Kenyon Sadiq, both selected before the 19th overall pick. Trusting Breer’s logic paid off because we were able to add two more selections while getting my top available pass catcher in Omar Cooper Jr.
Cooper brings an attractive combination of YAC and versatility to the offense to pair with Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker. Many scouts view Cooper as a complete wide receiver making this an easy decision at great value.
Round 2, pick 51: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
To me, the Panthers’ second-round pick will come down to Jacob Rodriguez or Treydan Stukes, depending on which player is still on the board. Rodriguez still being available makes it a no-brainer. I guarantee the Panthers have a high grade on this guy and will be praying he falls to the 51st overall pick.
Rodriguez paired with Devin Lloyd gives the Panthers defense two stud linebackers in the middle of the unit. Rodriguez even has the Luke Kuechly seal of approval.
Round 3, pick 83: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
ESPN’s Jordan Reid said last week that the Panthers are “reportedly really high” on Georgia tight end Oscar Delp, to the point the team could consider him as early as the second-round. While that’s an option, this mock continues to play out perfectly for the Panthers being able to land Delp with the 83rd overall pick.
Delp is exactly what the Panthers need at the tight end position. He’s a dominant in-line blocker and the best seam stretcher in the class to give Young another reliable weapon over the middle after already landing Cooper.
Round 4, pick 107 (via CLE): Samuel Hecht, C, Kanas State
By picking up the extra picks from the Browns, the Panthers get some more swings on high upside players. That’s exactly what Samuel Hecht can be to create more competition at the center position after previously signing Luke Fortner in free agency.
Hecht excels with his lateral quickness and elite hand placement. He’s limited experience-wise but the competition can be great for him. Even if he doesn’t start right away, he will be the long-term successor at the position.
Round 4, pick 119: Jadon Canady, DB, Oregon
After passing on Stukes in the second-round, we finally come back around to add an upgrade at the nickel position in Jadon Canady. This is a spot the Panthers were sniffing around at since free agency but weren’t able to reel in the ideal fit.
Canady is a strong Day 3 option. He has elite recognition and allowed the fewest yards per reception (6.1) among CBs during the 2025 season.
Round 5, pick 146 (via CLE): Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M
Using the final selection from the first-round trade back, I can finally get in the range for Tyler Onyedim. I think he would make for a great fit as an interior depth player but I’ve never been able to land him in a mock draft previously and instead selected Chris McClellan to fill this spot.
Onyedim isn’t an elite player, but he’s a clean player without many flaws. He’s a durable player with a strong character and deep arsenal of pass rush moves. He would thrive in a rotation alongside Derrick Brown and Tershawn Warton.
Round 5, pick 158: DJ Campbell, IOL, Texas
DJ Campbell is becoming one of my favorite players to link to the Panthers in the fifth-round. Carolina needs depth at the guard position behind Damien Lewis and Rob Hunt, and Campbell is an elite people-mover. He would be a really solid backup to have.
Round 5, pick 159: Louis Moore, S, Indiana
The Panthers brought back Nick Cross on a one-year deal and like what they have in Lathan Ransom, but safety is still a position the team should consider, ideally one that specializes deep down the field. Louis Moore is that kind of guy as an instinctual player that has the ability to bait the quarterback.
Round 6, pick 200: Haynes King, QB, Georgia Tech
Haynes King is the player I have now circled as the ideal long-term backup at the quarterback position. His dual-threat ability is exactly what Dan Morgan wants to add to the room and he even has the ability to contribute in Year 1 in a Taysom Hill-like role despite being behind Young and Kenny Pickett on the depth chart.
