The Carolina Panthers selected offensive lineman Monroe Freeling with the 19th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, analysts are predicting their next moves for Day 2 of the draft.
In retrospect, it seems that the beat reporters and many of the NFL draft analysts all had it wrong. Only ESPN's Dan Graziano nailed the Carolina Panthers' plans going into the first round, naming them among the teams that were looking to take an offensive lineman on the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft.
And they did, as the Panthers grabbed their potential franchise left tackle of the future in Monroe Freeling with this year's 19th overall selection.
Now, they have to address the more immediate needs that will help them defend their NFC South title. But who will they take when they're on the clock tonight?
Let's round up some fresh Day 2 mock drafts to gauge the field . . .
Author: Jacob Camenker
Pick 51: D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana
Take: The Panthers should consider finding an upgrade in the slot over Chau Smith-Wade. Ponds doesn't exactly have prototypical NFL size at 5-9, 182 pounds, but he was hyper productive across three seasons at James Madison and Indiana, generating 169 tackles, seven interceptions and 33 pass defenses.
Pick 83: A.J. Haulcy, S, LSU
Take: The Panthers could use a safety upgrade next to Tre'von Moehrig. Haulcy is a hard-hitting safety who also has shown ballhawk skills across his time at Houston and LSU. He generated 162 tackles and eight interceptions across his final two college seasons (2024 at Houston, 2025 with LSU) and has pro-ready size at 6-0, 215 pounds.
The Carolina Panthers selected offensive lineman Monroe Freeling with the 19th overall pick.
The Panthers are looking to address immediate needs to help defend their NFC South title.
ESPN's Dan Graziano was among the few analysts who accurately predicted the Panthers would select an offensive lineman.
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Author: Matt Miller
Pick 51: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Take: The Panthers have drafted highly athletic developmental guys at tight end in the past but haven't hit on one yet. Stowers is in a similar mold with 4.51 speed and record-setting jumps of 45½ inches (vertical) and 11 feet, 3 inches (broad) at the combine, but his production (nine TDs the past two seasons) stands out.
Pick 83: Bud Clark, S, TCU
Author: Nick Baumgardner
Pick 51: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State
Take: An absolute burner who didnât get much attention because of his decision to stay at a small school, Hurst could be extremely dynamic for Bryce Young and the Panthers aligned opposite Tetairoa McMillan.
Pick 83: Genesis Smith, S, Arizona
Author: Josh Edwards
Pick 51: Brandon Cisse, CB, South Carolina
Take: After a year at South Carolina, the ex-NC State cornerback is off to the NFL. He is a high-level athlete with a lot of versatility in this scheme.
Pick 83: Bud Clark, S, TCU
Author: Bradley Locker
Pick 51: Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt
Take: The Panthers made a bit of a surprise choice when they took Monroe Freeling in the first round, and it seems like finding another weapon for Bryce Young is high on the teamâs agenda. Stowersâ 85.3 PFF receiving grade would be welcome in a room that slotted 31st in the metric a year ago.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers mock draft roundup: Projections for Day 2 of the 2026 draft