New 7-round mock draft checks a ton of boxes for Panthers

One of the most extensive mock drafters has put in his final projections—all 257 of them.

NFL Media draft analyst Chad Reuter fulfilled his annual tradition by churning out a full seven-round mock for the upcoming selection process. For the Carolina Panthers, he begins with a pretty heavy favorite—University of Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq.

Reuter writes:

However GM Dan Morgan chooses to proceed with Bryce Young after exercising the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, adding the explosive Sadiq to his stable of pass catchers will maximize Carolina's chances of getting the most out of the QB.

In addition to triggering Young's fifth-year option, Morgan has also talked this offseason about adding a home-run threat for his fourth-year quarterback. And that could be Sadiq, perhaps the most explosive and athletic tight end prospect in the 2026 class.

Sadiq was named a second-team All-American this past season, where he reeled in 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. He'd proceed to light up the scouting combine in February, recording an eye-opening 4.39-second 40-yard dash with a 1.54-second 10-yard split.

Reuter proceeds by hitting the trenches with three of the next four picks, then closes out with one of Sadiq's teammates. Here's the rest of his haul for Carolina:

• No. 51 (Second round): Gracen Halton, DT, Oklahoma
• No. 83 (Third round): Caleb Tieran, OT, Northwestern
• No. 119 (Fourth round): Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
• No. 158 (Fifth round): Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
• No. 159 (Fifth round): Mason Reiger, EDGE, Wisconsin