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Panthers trade up for top defensive prospect in new mock draft
TL;DR
The Carolina Panthers are expected to trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft to secure top safety prospect Dillon Thieneman from Oregon. This move aims to strengthen their revamped defense.
Key points
- Carolina Panthers may trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Targeting safety Dillon Thieneman from Oregon
- Thieneman is a 2025 first-team All-American
- Panthers' defense includes Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd
Dillon ThienemanJaelan PhillipsDevin LloydCarolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers may have to waddle up the board to take one of the 2026 NFL Draft's top Ducks.
CBS Sports NFL draft writer Josh Edwards, fresh off Saturday's massive move of new Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, cooked up some trades of his own in a new one-round mock. One of the deals involves the Panthers, who move up to the 14th overall pick for University of Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman:
If Carolina is hellbent on adding a safety, which is not to say that they are, it may require them trading up a bit to secure one of those prospects. Dillon Thieneman has risen as high in mock draft projections as his vertical jump at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Thieneman has been a popular choice for Carolina of late. The 2025 first-team All-American could slot in at a starting safety spot right away, adding to a revamped defense that now features pass rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd.
For the Panthers to leap into that 14th spot, they may—according to the 2026 Rich Hill trade value chart—have to send the 19th and 83rd picks to the Baltimore Ravens. That would leave Carolina with just two selections (14th, 51st) over the first two days of the draft.
Q&A
Why are the Carolina Panthers trading up in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Panthers are looking to secure top safety prospect Dillon Thieneman to enhance their defense.
Who is Dillon Thieneman and why is he a top prospect?
Dillon Thieneman is a safety from the University of Oregon and a 2025 first-team All-American, known for his impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine.
What impact will Dillon Thieneman have on the Panthers' defense?
Thieneman is expected to slot in as a starting safety, contributing to a defense that already includes notable players like Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd.
