Sports
Transfer Daniels wins QB battle, to start for FSU
Ashton Daniels wins the QB battle and will start for FSU!
ESPN News1 min read
Sports
Panthers insider says to 'keep an eye' on this prospect at Pick No. 19
TL;DR
The Carolina Panthers may target Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman at Pick No. 19 in the 2026 NFL Draft, but if he's unavailable, Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. is a strong alternative.
Key points
- Carolina Panthers may target Dillon Thieneman at Pick No. 19
- Omar Cooper Jr. is a backup plan if Thieneman is unavailable
- Cooper had 69 receptions, 937 yards, and 13 touchdowns in college
- Kenyon Sadiq and Spencer Fano are also linked to the Panthers
Dillon ThienemanOmar Cooper Jr.Kenyon SadiqSpencer Fano
Many seem to agree that the Carolina Panthers could be targeting Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. But with a great deal of skepticism regarding the defensive back's availability at the 19th overall spot, they may have to go to a backup plan.
According to Joe Person of The Athletic, that alternative could be Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.—who he wrote the following of in his team-centric big board from Tuesday:
Fernando Mendoza’s favorite target (69-937-13 TDs) during the Hoosiers’ national championship season, Cooper has more dependable hands than Concepcion. Keep an eye on Cooper at 19 if Thieneman is off the board.
Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano are also popular names connected to the Panthers with their first-round pick. Cooper may be the best backup plan if Thieneman is not there, though.
The fastest way that the Panthers can become a serious NFC contender is by filling out the supporting offensive cast around quarterback Bryce Young. Sadiq could play a part in that effort, but Cooper's college numbers are both more impressive and come with a bigger sample size.
In 42 total college games, Cooper put up 1,798 receiving yards and scored 22 touchdowns—nearly doubling Sadiq's production in both categories. Here's the full 2025 highlight reel:
Q&A
Who is Dillon Thieneman and why might the Panthers draft him?
Dillon Thieneman is an Oregon safety considered a potential first-round pick for the Panthers due to his skills, but there are doubts about his availability at Pick No. 19.
What are the stats of Omar Cooper Jr. from Indiana?
Omar Cooper Jr. had an impressive season with 69 receptions for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns, making him a notable prospect for the Panthers.
What other players are linked to the Panthers' first-round pick?
In addition to Thieneman and Cooper, Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano are also popular names associated with the Panthers' first-round selection.
