Panthers 2026 mock draft 7.0: Addressing the needs edition

The Carolina Panthers hit a home run in last year's draft—where they grabbed the eventual Offensive Rookie of the Year, a promising pass rusher and a wealth of depth. And with another smash in the 2026 draft, they could keep atop the NFC South for the upcoming season.

In our latest seven-round mock for the team, we attempt to fill out all three levels of Carolina's still-needy defense and build up the supporting cast around quarterback Bryce Young.

First round (Pick No. 19): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

For the third straight year, we have the Panthers go with a wideout in the first round. This time, after Xavier Legette in 2024 and Tetairoa McMillan in 2025, it's a national champion.

The six-foot, 199-pound Cooper enters the NFL equipped with 4.42 speed and a pro comp to former San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel. In 42 games at Indiana, he racked up 115 receptions, 1,798 yards and 22 touchdowns.

Second round (Pick No. 51): Genesis Smith, S, Arizona

Next, we looked to fill the hole next to Tre'Von Moehrig at safety. In the process, we wound up with what should be a big upgrade over Nick Scott and Lathan Ransom.

Smith (6-foot-2, 202 pounds) has a strong combination of athleticism and ball skills. He posted five interceptions, 14 pass breakups, four forced fumbles and 6.5 tackles for a loss in 37 games for the Wildcats.

Third round (Pick No. 83): Eli Stowers, TE, Vanderbilt

In the third round, we went in hoping to finally find a solution to Carolina's problems at tight end.

Stowers (6-foot-4, 239 pounds) posted a ridiculous 45.5-inch vertical at the combine, and amassed 111 catches, 1,407 receiving yards and nine touchdowns over the last two years at Vanderbilt after transferring from New Mexico State.

Fourth round (Pick No. 119): Jager Burton, C, Kentucky

Carolina also has to find a long-term answer at center, even with the signing of Luke Fortner. Kentucky's Burton (6-foot-4, 323 pounds) may be just what they're looking for.

In 2025, Burton earned solid grades from Pro Football Focus in pass blocking (79.5) and run blocking (67.5), and ranked 44th overall out of over 300 qualifying centers.

Fifth round (Pick No. 158, via MIN): Nick Barrett, DT, South Carolina

Pro Bowler Derrick Brown remains a spectacular talent, but he needs more help inside. With that in mind, we used the pick that came over from Minnesota in the Adam Thielen trade on a Gamecock.

The 6-foot-3, 312-pound Barrett appeared in 51 games over the last five seasons—putting up 72 combined tackles, (six for a loss) to go with 2.0 sacks. PFF ranked him 104 out of 887 interior linemen last season.

Fifth round (Pick No. 159): Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas

With the very next pick, we took a shot at trying to land a high-upside developmental quarterback to push backup Kenny Pickett.

Green (6-foot-6, 227 pounds) posted a 9.99 RAS score—second only to Cam Newton since 1987. That includes scores for elite size, explosion and speed. He will need time to grow as a passer, but he's already an unstoppable rushing threat—with 2,405 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground in 53 college games.

Sixth round (Pick No. 200): Lander Barton, LB, Utah

We intended to hit the linebacker rotation earlier than this, but the board just didn't fall that way. On the bright side, Utah has produced some excellent off-ball linebackers in recent years, so we took a late flyer on Barton (six-foot, 240 pounds).

Barton put up five interceptions and 17 tackles for a loss in 46 games with the Utes.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2026 mock draft 7.0: Addressing the needs edition