Panthers 2026 NFL Draft: Picks by round, biggest needs, best fits

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Carolina Panthers, the biggest need is an obvious one: Tight end.

The Panthers addressed their offseason's biggest position of need in free agency with the addition of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. Carolina's focus must now shift on offense. The Panthers had the worst pass offense of any team that qualified for the playoffs last season, no Carolina tight end had more than 29 catches.

MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL Draft

Here's everything you need to know about the Carolina Panthers for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster:

Carolina Panthers NFL draft best prospect fit: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly:

Carolina spent massively in free agency to bring in Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd to bolster the front seven on defense. Terrell upgrades the secondary to bring it more on par with the improvements up front. He could stick outside opposite Jaycee Horn or kick inside to the slot thanks to his smaller frame. Either way, he'd be a force in run defense with an attacking attitude.

NFL DRAFT: Finding the perfect prospect for every team

Carolina Panthers NFL draft trade candidate: WR Xavier Legette