Experts make final predictions for Panthers' 2026 1st-round pick

In contrast to the previous handful of years, the forecast on the Carolina Panthers' first-round pick is a bit cloudy. Instead of choosing from a few of the very top prospects within the top 10 slots of the draft, their position in 2026—at 19th overall—could present a wealth of different avenues.

In fact, president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan conveyed as much—stating last week that "all positions" are on the table for Thursday night.

So, what positions and players do the sport's top experts see the Panthers taking in the opening round of this year's selection process?

Here—via a group of 30 insiders, reporters and analysts—are the final predictions for Carolina's first-round pick:

• Bucky Brooks (NFL Media): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
• Dane Brugler (The Athletic): Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
• Eric Edholm (NFL Media): Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
• Josh Edwards (CBS Sports): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
• Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
• Danny Heifetz (The Ringer): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon