SoccerFeature
'Zero fear' - Millwall boss Neil urges Lions to embrace promotion challenge
Millwall's Alex Neil tells players to have 'zero fear' in promotion race.
Sky Sports1 min read
Sports
Panthers double down at WR in CBS' new 2026 mock draft
TL;DR
The Carolina Panthers are focusing on strengthening their wide receiver position in the 2026 mock draft by selecting Texas A&M's KC Concepcion with the 19th overall pick. This follows the success of last year's first-round pick, Tetairoa McMillan, who was named the 2025 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Ever since Steve Smith's unceremonious exit following the 2013 season, the Carolina Panthers have found themselves lagging behind at wide receiver. While there have been some small exceptions in the interim—like DJ Moore—more often than not, Carolina has been on the bottom end of the league when it comes to talent at this critical position.
Last year, the Panthers finally got some relief in the form of first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan—who totaled 1,014 receiving yards and seven touchdowns en route to the 2025 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Now, Carolina has to continue building up the rest of the receiver group around him—and a new three-round mock draft from Mike Renner at CBS Sports has them doubling down at this spot.
First, Renner has the Panthers picking Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion with the 19th overall selection:
The Panthers go wide receiver in the first round for a third straight year. Concepcion brings juice and separation ability that no one else on the roster can match.
Concepcion (six-foot, 196 pounds) is a Charlotte native who started his college career at NC State, then transferred to Texas A&M for the 2025 campaign. All together, he totaled 185 receptions, 2,218 yards and 25 touchdowns over the last three seasons.
He also put in great work as a punt returner last year, scoring twice.
In Round 2, Renner has the Panthers taking Texas Tech defensive tackle Lee Hunter at No. 51 overall. Then, he went right back to the wide receiver well in Round 3—going with Tennessee standout Chris Brazzell II at the 83rd overall pick.
Brazzell (6-foot-5, 198 pounds) enjoyed a breakout season last year for the Volunteers, posting 1,017 receiving yards and an SEC-leading nine touchdowns.
Together, these two picks would fill out all of Carolina's needs at this spot. The very different skill sets of Concepcion and Brazzell add another dimension to round out what's been a largely one-dimensional passing game.
Although it's unlikely the Panthers will double down at wide receiver, there is a good case to make for improving quarterback Bryce Young's arsenal as much as possible. Giving Young more weapons is the fastest way this team can get back into contention.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers pick WRs KC Concepcion, Chris Brazzell II in CBS mock draft
Q&A
Who did the Panthers select in the 2026 mock draft for wide receiver?
The Panthers selected Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 mock draft.
What impact did Tetairoa McMillan have in his rookie season?
Tetairoa McMillan had an impressive rookie season, totaling 1,014 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, earning him the 2025 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Why have the Panthers struggled at wide receiver since 2013?
The Panthers have struggled at wide receiver since Steve Smith's departure in 2013, often ranking low in talent at this critical position, despite some exceptions like DJ Moore.
