The Carolina Panthers are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft with seven picks, including one from the Vikings. General manager Dan Morgan aims to strengthen the roster to support quarterback Bryce Young and pursue another NFC South title.
Key points
Carolina Panthers have seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft
General manager Dan Morgan aims to strengthen the roster
The Panthers signed key free agents including Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips
One draft pick was acquired from the Vikings in the Adam Thielen trade
Success in the draft is crucial for the Panthers' title aspirations
Carolina PanthersMinnesota Vikings
How can the Carolina Panthers repeat as NFC South champions? It all starts with a good offseason.
Morgan worked to upgrade the biggest weak points on the Panthers' roster in free agency when he signed linebacker Devin Lloyd, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and offensive tackle Rasheed Walker. Each player was among the best available in free agency at his position, but Carolina still needs more young talent on the roster to complement the veterans.
Headed into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Panthers have seven picks β six of their own, plus one acquired from the Vikings in the Adam Thielen trade. If Carolina wants to start a streak of NFC South titles, nailing its picks in the draft is the way to set up the Panthers for sustained success around quarterback Bryce Young.
Here's a look at the Panthers' collection of picks in the upcoming NFL draft, along with their draft needs and a mock draft of potential fits at each pick.
Q&A
What are the Carolina Panthers' draft picks for the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Panthers have seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including six of their own and one acquired from the Vikings.
Who is the general manager of the Carolina Panthers?
The general manager of the Carolina Panthers is Dan Morgan.
Which players did the Panthers sign in free agency to improve their roster?
The Panthers signed linebacker Devin Lloyd, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, and offensive tackle Rasheed Walker in free agency.
How can the Panthers repeat as NFC South champions?
The Panthers can repeat as NFC South champions by effectively utilizing their draft picks and complementing their veteran signings with young talent.
Related Articles
Sports
Papers: Sir Jim Ratcliffe hesitant to give Carrick permanent Man Utd job
Sir Jim Ratcliffe unsure about making Carrick permanent manager of Manchester United
Sky SportsΒ·Β·1 min read
Sports
Official: Bayern Munich will face VfB Stuttgart for 4th time this season in DFB-Pokal final
Bayern Munich will meet VfB Stuttgart for the 4th time this season in the DFB-Pokal final on May 23rd.
Yahoo SportsΒ·Β·1 min read
NFL
Vikings announce death of former 1st round pick, sacks leader
Minnesota Vikings announce the death of former player Doug Martin at 68
Yahoo SportsΒ·Β·1 min read
SportsΒ·Transfer
Saint Maryβs transfer G Mikey Lewis commits to Texas
Mikey Lewis, former Saint Mary's guard, commits to Texas Longhorns for 2026-27 season.
Yahoo SportsΒ·Β·1 min read
TennisΒ·Feature
Garbine Muguruza answers about the Madrid Open becoming the fifth Grand Slam
Garbine Muguruza takes on co-director role at Madrid Open, tackling key tennis issues.
Yahoo SportsΒ·Β·1 min read
Sports
MASL boots San Diego Sockers player after incident with fans in Milwaukee
MASL expels Sockers player following fan altercation in Milwaukee
This section will be updated after the Panthers make their first selection.
Panthers 2026 NFL Draft needs
Safety
Carolina's biggest project entering the offseason was improving its defense. Panthers general manager Dan Morgan got to work on that early, signing linebacker Devin Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips β two of the best available players at their respective positions.
But the need for a starting-caliber safety remains pressing for the Panthers' defense. Nick Scott is back on another one-year deal, but Carolina could have a chance to lock down a long-term answer at the position in one of the early rounds of this year's draft.
Wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan proved to be everything Carolina had been hoping for when it made him the No. 8 overall pick in last year's draft. He quickly found chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young and won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award for his efforts in a 1,014-yard, seven-touchdown season.
The Panthers still need to give Young more help in their receiving corps after Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker both finished 2025 with fewer than 400 yards. If Carolina doesn't address safety in the back half of the first round, it should consider bringing in another first-round receiver to pair with McMillan.
Panthers 2026 NFL mock draft
Here's what the Panthers could do come draft night, per Ayrton Ostly's seven-round mock draft: