Reporter links Panthers to speedy playmaker in new 7-round mock draft

Doesn't it feel like everyone who writes about the Carolina Panthers and their mothers agree that the team is aiming for Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman with this year's 19th overall selection? But what about their potential targets for the picks after Thursday night? Well, we have a relatively new name linked to the Panthers—courtesy of a fresh seven-round mock draft from Joe Person at The Athletic .

Person has Carolina taking Thieneman in the first round, followed by Arizona cornerback Treydan Stukes at No. 51: The Panthers did not sign a cornerback in free agency, leaving Corey Thornton as the only real depth piece behind starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson on the outside. Stukes, who played with Tetairoa McMillan at Arizona, has the length (nearly 6-foot-1), speed (a 4.

33-second 40 at the combine) and ball skills (four interceptions in 2025) the Panthers covet. This one comes as a bit of a surprise, as cornerback predictions have been few and far between from the mock draft community when it comes to Carolina. The six-foot, 190-pound Stukes, however, comes with the length and and athleticism that the Panthers brass covets, and reportedly visited with the team earlier this month.

Stukes spent six seasons at Arizona—totaling seven interceptions, 29 pass breakups and 12 tackles for a loss in 52 games. To begin, Stukes would likely compete with 2024 fifth-round pick Chau Smith-Wade for the starting nickel spot. But he has experience on the boundary as well, so he could end up backing up Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn.