Panthers 2026 mock draft 8.0: The final 7-round predictions edition

This pick could come down to who, between Concepcion and Sadiq, can provide the most to quarterback Bryce Young in his all-important fourth year. While the freakish ability of Sadiq is appealing, head coach Dave Canales and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik should be able to do more with Concepcion.

Second round (No. 51): Treydan Stukes, S, Arizona

Now, Carolina uses their second pick on a playmaker for the defense.

Stukes, who recorded four interceptions in his sixth and final season at Arizona, can slot right in as a ballhawking back alongside Tre’von Moehrig. He possesses quite a bit of speed (4.33-second 40-yard dash), some smooth technique and solid instincts—giving him the flexibility to stick in coverage as a nickel and a safety.

Third round (No. 75, via MIA): Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

Projected trade: Carolina receives No. 75, Miami receives No. 83, No. 158

If a first-round pick is too rich to use on a tight end, then perhaps the Panthers would be more comfortable taking one with a third. And if they do, they may be able to jump a little higher in the round to nab a prospect they reportedly love.

Delp seems far from a finished product, and his numbers at the college level (854 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in four years) aren’t exactly inspiring. He does, however, have eye-opening explosiveness—which will allow him to stretch the field and create yards after the catch for an offense that desperately needs a jolt at the position.

Third round (No. 98, via PHI): Tyler Onyedim, DL, Texas A&M

While improved from a nightmarish 2024, Carolina’s defensive trench could still be upgraded following fairly disappointing campaigns from free-agent signees Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III. Plus, the release of starter A’Shawn Robinson may leave behind a bigger hole than many think.

Onyedim, 6-foot-3, 292 pounds, is a twitchy and athletic disruptor. He recorded 8.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble for the Aggies in 2025.

Fourth round (No. 119): Brian Parker II, OL, Duke

After losing starting center Cade Mays to Detroit, the Panthers added former third-round pick Luke Fortner on a one-year pact. Although a decent enough bandage, the 27-year-old veteran may not be a long-term answer.

The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Parker played exclusively at the tackle spots during his time at Duke, but is forecasted for a transition to center. That college experience on the ends could, obviously, be useful to Carolina as well.

Fifth round (No. 159): Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU

Morgan made good on his own position back in free agency, reeling in Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd on a three-year, $42 million deal. But the Panthers may need two new starters in the middle of their defense, or at least some competition for 2024 third-round pick Trevin Wallace.

Elarms-Orr comes into the pros with an intriguing athletic profile and a productive track record. The 6-foot-2, 234-pounder recorded 130 tackles (11.0 for a loss) and 4.0 sacks for the Horned Frogs this past season.

Sixth round (No. 200): Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

Other than starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, the Panthers are rather thin at cornerback.

Demmings, who's around the ball often, checks some boxes with his length and scheme versatility.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2026 mock draft 8.0: The final 7-round predictions edition