College coaches share insight on 2026 NFL Draft sleeper that’s shaping out to be the perfect backup QB target for the Panthers
The Carolina Panthers remain in the market for a long-term backup quarterback to develop behind Bryce Young and one prospect the team already met with just got high praise from two ACC coaches.
The Carolina Panthers have proved they remain in the market for a long-term developmental quarterback to add to the roster behind Bryce Young, even after signing Kenny Pickett in free agency.
Given that Pickett signed a one-year deal and has a desire to become a starter again in the future, the Panthers have started doing extensive work on the incoming 2026 class to see if they can identify a hidden gem at the position worth bringing in.
A handful of quarterbacks have met with the team on 30 visits including Georgia Tech’s Haynes King and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, two quarterbacks who fit general manager Dan Morgan’s desire of having a mobile QB on the roster. Of the two, King continues to look like the ideal option for the Panthers.
“I loved them. I loved the place up there. Didn’t know what to expect, that was my only 30 visit,” King said on the Up & Adams Show. “I love what they’re doing up there. It was all great vibes the whole time. I feel like they’re building something really special up there.”
Haynes King has plenty of supporters going into the 2026 NFL Draft as a ‘sleeper’ prospect
ESPN released an article on Monday detailing various “sleeper” prospects going into the 2026 NFL Draft using testimonies from various college coaches. Two ACC coaches had plenty of great things to say about Haynes King.
“I don’t know how he translates, but man, he’s a good player,” an ACC coach said. “He would be a hell of a backup to have in the NFL. People think he can’t throw, and I know their offense is different and all that, but man, that guy plays his [expletive] off.”
Another ACC coach added: “I hold him in very high regard. He did a great job this year. I have no idea what the pros think about him, but somebody should give him a shot, because he’s tough, he’s competitive, he can run, he can throw. He’s really good.”
Given the style player the Panthers are looking to add to the position, King is an ideal fit. In 2026, he would be the QB3 behind Young and Pickett but still a player the team can look to get on the field in a Taysom Hill-like role.
Head coach Dave Canales was against using QB-sneaks last season with Young in short-yardage situations, an area someone like King could excel in as a gadget player immediately. We’re talking about a player that rushed for 15 touchdowns and 73 first downs during the 2025 season alone.
Long-term, King has the passing traits to develop as a valuable backup in Carolina. He’s as tough as they come and someone that’s already earned plenty of respect. The Panthers last selection in the 2026 NFL Draft is currently the 200th pick in the sixth-round with King listed as a sixth/seventh-round projection.
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