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NFL draft insider doubts a favorite for Panthers will be available at 19th pick
TL;DR
Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman is a top candidate for the Carolina Panthers' 19th pick in the NFL draft. However, insider Todd McShay questions whether he will still be available by that time.
Key points
- Dillon Thieneman is a top candidate for the Panthers' 19th pick
- Todd McShay doubts Thieneman will be available at that pick
- Thieneman could enhance the Panthers' defensive unit
Dillon ThienemanCarolina Panthers
Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman feels like the odds-on favorite to become the first-round pick of the Carolina Panthers. The 2025 first-team All-American could make a huge splash in the back of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's unit, and turn one of the roster's biggest weaknesses into one of their greatest strengths.
But there's no guarantee that Thieneman will even be on the board when the 19th overall pick comes around on Thursday night.
NFL draft insider Todd McShay, as part of the most recent episode of his podcast, casts some doubt on his availability:
"I hear Carolina has got a lot of love for Dillon Thieneman," McShay states. "But is he getting to 19?”
Thieneman has also been regularly linked to the Minnesota Vikings, who sit right in front of the Panthers at the 18th overall spot. The Dallas Cowboys (No. 12) and the New York Jets (No. 16) have also been floated as possible landing spots for the standout defender.
So for Carolina to get "their guy," or at least one of them, Thieneman may have to hit a somewhat unexpected slide later this week.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL Draft: Insider casts doubt on a Panthers-Dillon Thieneman union
Q&A
Why might Dillon Thieneman not be available for the Panthers' 19th pick?
Insider Todd McShay suggests that Thieneman may be selected before the Panthers' turn at the 19th pick.
What impact could Dillon Thieneman have on the Panthers' defense?
As a first-team All-American, Thieneman could significantly strengthen one of the Panthers' biggest defensive weaknesses.
Who is the favorite for the Panthers' first-round pick in the NFL draft?
Dillon Thieneman is currently viewed as the odds-on favorite for the Panthers' first-round selection.
