Top analyst's favorite 2026 draft class belongs to Panthers

Poor returns in the NFL draft, year in and year out, plagued the Carolina Panthers for far too long. But now, as we're three seasons into Dan Morgan's tenure as general manager, we can confidently say that era is over with.

The results will have to prove themselves on the field—but on paper, the Panthers have pieced together yet another very strong class. In fact, ESPN college football and draft analyst Jordan Reid tabbed the group as his favorite from this year's selection process:

The value that Carolina was able to get in each round was exceptional. Monroe Freeling has the versatility to be their right or left tackle of the future. They continue to emphasize the trenches by adding defensive tackle Lee Hunter in Round 2 while also giving Bryce Young another playmaker in the third round in wide receiver Chris Brazzell II.

There are a couple of legitimate questions about Carolina's approach, such as passing entirely on tight ends despite a big need at that position. They may have also waited too long to take a safety, holding off until the fifth round for Penn State's Zakee Wheatley.

But Reid, whose praise for the Panthers continued, named Wheatley and center Sam Hecht as the draft's best fifth-round value:

I cheated and took two players, but Carolina got tremendous value in getting prospects I had fourth-round grades on. Hecht projects as the center of the future behind Luke Fortner and the team also needed another young, high-upside safety.

The Panthers have made a habit of taking high-level athletes at premium positions and balancing their own needs. They did so with Freeling, perhaps the best true left tackle of the class, as well as with Hunter and Brazzell.

If they continue to follow that model, they're going to be a serious contender again sooner rather than later.