Panthers 2026 mock draft 7.0: Addressing the needs edition
Our latest seven-round mock draft for the Panthers includes picks at all three levels of the defense and some extra support for QB Bryce Young.
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.