NFL insider Adam Schefter offers latest intel on Panthers' 1st-round plans

Will the Carolina Panthers build their 2026 NFL Draft class from the inside out?

ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter dished out some intriguing draft intel in the latest episode of his podcast from Monday. And when it comes to the Panthers' first-round plans, Schefter seemed pretty adamant that the focus should be on the offensive line.

"To me, it's a trenches pick. It's a trenches pick," he firmly stated. "That's the one that makes the most sense, and it's another one of those teams that falls into that offensive-line hunt that we're talking about that's going on from roughly 11 to 31."

Carolina is smack-dab in the middle of that range, as they're set to enter Thursday night at the 19th overall spot of the selection process. That pick could be used to help build the offensive trench, which will have questions at left and right tackle following 2026.

Starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu, who is recovering from a torn patellar tendon, will likely give way to free-agent signee Rasheed Walker—at least in the early goings of the upcoming campaign. Both are not under contract with the Panthers beyond this year.

Right tackle Taylor Moton, meanwhile, will be 33 years old before the start of the 2027 season and may be a prime cut candidate.

Some notable offensive line prospects that may be available to Carolina at that 19th pick include Alabama's Kadyn Proctor, Arizona State's Max Iheanachor, Clemson's Blake Miller, Georgia's Monroe Freeling and Utah's Caleb Lomu.

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