Panthers 7-Round 2026 Mock Draft: Dan Morgan adds another first-round WR for Bryce Young and a Heisman finalist on defense
Dan Morgan continues to take big swings in this latest mock draft using the brand new A to Z Sports Mock Draft Simulator.
Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has done impressive work improving the team’s roster this offseason and making the Panthers a team to truly respect again, but the job isn’t finished.
The Panthers have more work to be done in the 2026 NFL Draft and plenty of spots to improve on both sides of the ball. In this latest mock draft, I can confidently say we did just that with the team’s seven selections.
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Round 1, pick 19: KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
The overwhelming favorite among draft experts with this selection is Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq. I’m not convinced he’s the best option in the first-round for the Panthers and fortunately he was selected one pick before by the Minnesota Vikings. So, we pivot to another top pass catcher to pair with quarterback Bryce Young.
In this mock, KC Concepcion becomes the third consecutive first-round WR selected by the Panthers. While he has drop concerns after the 2025 season, this guy still has elite separation skills. After this pick, the Panthers would have a dangerous WR room and add even more pressure on Xavier Legette to prove himself going into his third season.
Round 2, pick 51: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Sticking in the Lone Star State and giving Dan Morgan another top linebacker to pair alongside free agent addition Devin Lloyd. The Panthers have shown plenty of interest in Jacob Rodriguez in the pre-draft process and aren’t being shy around the Heisman finalist.
Rodriguez has elite instincts and would immediately form one of the top linebacker duos in the league playing next to Lloyd while having Trevin Wallace as a solid LB3. It’s the perfect match and I could even see Carolina moving up for this guy.
Round 3, pick 83: Keionte Scott, CB, Miami
Keionte Scott in the third-round is an absolute steal. There’s no reason why this guy should be available in this range and the fact he is makes it an easy call to run up. Scott is an elite nickel defender and an immediate upgrade over Chau Smith-Wade with Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson on the outside.
Scott has solid blitzing ability along with elite processing and speed to attack ball carriers in the run game. He can still grow some more as a coverage player but there’s plenty to love about his game.
Round 4, pick 119: Parker Brailsford, C, Alabama
I was hoping for a Logan Jones or Sam Hecht with this selection but Parker Brailsford works just as well. The Panthers went out and signed Luke Fortner in free agency after losing Cade Mays and Austin Corbett, but head coach Dave Canales made it sound like another addition would be made at the center position to add competition.
Between Fortner, Brailsford, and Nick Samac, the Panthers have plenty of options to choose from. Brailsford has great mobility and tenacity to his game. He could easily take over the job and be a long-term starter up-front.
Round 5, pick 158: DJ Campbell, OG, Texas
Doubling-up on the interior of the offensive line. After snagging a center, the Panthers would benefit from adding another depth guard behind Damien Lewis and Rob Hunt with Brady Christensen still on the market recovering from a significant injury.
DJ Campbell is a worthy selection in the fifth-round. He is incredibly powerful and elite at moving bodies.
Round 5, pick 159: Chris McClellan, DT, Missouri
Going with a slight reach here in Chris McClellan based on the rankings but my ideal option in Landon Robinson got snatched a few selections before. After having to part ways with A’Shawn Robinson, the Panthers need some depth on the interior of the defensive line behind Derrick Brown and Tershawn Wharton.
McClellan can replace Robinson’s role as a rotational interior defensive lineman. At his best, he can single-handily control the entire line of scrimmage. He just needs to improve his consistency before being a true starter and would have the best possible player to learn from in Derrick Brown.
Round 6, pick 200: Dae’Quan Wright, TE, Ole Miss
After missing out on Sadiq in the first-round, the Panthers wait out the tight end position and still come away with an athletic tight end in Dae’Quan Wright, who actually offers even more as a blocker than Sadiq will at the NFL level.
Wright’s addition wouldn’t immediately force out Tommy Tremble or Ja’Tavion Sanders either and instead would give Canales multiple players to compete for the starting job while also having a promising player in Mitchell Evans.
Carolina Panthers News
Dave Canales is not backing off expectations for Xavier Legette entering a pivotal year, and didn’t rule out another WR addition
The Carolina Panthers are expecting a big season out of former first-round wide receiver Xavier Legette going into his third season with the team.
