Dave Canales says Panthers are eyeing these positions in 2026 draft
Dave Canales might've dropped a few hints as to what positions the Panthers may zero in on during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales might've given us a tiny preview of his team's plans for the 2026 NFL Draft. But before then, Canales spoke with reporters from the annual league meeting in Phoenix, Ariz. on Monday morning.
And when asked about the upcoming selection process, he provided a few possible avenues for this year's 19th overall pick . . .
Asked about pick 19, Canales says they want to draft for impact. Mentions WR, TE, and safety as possibilities (among others). Not boxed in to any position after a busy free agency.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) March 30, 2026 The Panthers, in both of Canales' two drafts at the helm, took wideout with their first-round picks. They traded into the 32nd overall spot in 2024 to grab University of South Carolina's Xavier Legette, then scooped up University of Arizona standout and eventual Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick in 2025. Canales, apparently, has not ruled out a third-straight first-round receiver for his offense—which didn't take much of a step forward this past season.