The Carolina Panthers selected offensive lineman Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. As Day 2 approaches, the team may focus more on addressing specific needs.
Mentioned in this story
The Carolina Panthers seemingly stuck to their process on Day 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Leading up to the selection process, president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan advocated investing in the best playersâregardless of positionâon the board. And it looks like that's what they did in the first round, as they snatched up University of Georgia offensive lineman Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick.
Freeling may not immediately fill a hole, as free-agent signee Rasheed Walker is likely to man the left tackle position in Week 1. But the ultra-athletic 6-foot-7, 315-pound technician was simply too good to pass up.
As we move into Day 2, however, needs might have a slightly heavier influence on a team's plans.
So, here are 28 of the top remaining prospectsâall at positions of needâwho should interest the Panthers on Friday:
Morgan could still be on the hunt for a home-run threat on offense. The speed of Branch, Brazzell and Burks fit the profile.
The Carolina Panthers selected offensive lineman Monroe Freeling from the University of Georgia with the 19th overall pick.
Monroe Freeling plays as an offensive lineman for the Carolina Panthers.
As Day 2 approaches, the Panthers may focus on addressing specific needs, which could influence their draft strategy.
R Ashwin critiques Hardik Pandya's decision-making in IPL 2026 after a loss to CSK.
Ekitike's injury may not be as severe as initially thought.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
The Panthers never got the chance to consider Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who was taken at the 16th overall spot by the New York Jets. Stowers and Delp are interesting secondary options who can stretch the field.
Will Carolina add another hog molly to the roster? If so, it should be at centerâwhere they'd welcome some competition for Luke Fortner.
A'Shawn Robinson's release and Tershawn Wharton's underwhelming 2025 campaign make the defensive line a sneaky need.
Rodriguez feels like the prize for Morgan and the Panthers. They may have to move up to secure him.
Terrell and Ponds project as fine fits at the nickel. McCoy would be intriguing after his medicals caused a fall, but can the Panthers afford to potentially redshirt two of their top draft picks from this class?
Despite being a heavy favorite at No. 19, Oregon's Dillon Thieneman slipped right on by Carolina. One of this bunch may be able to give the Panthers the playmaker they're looking for in the secondary.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: 28 best available players for the Panthers on Day 2