Panthers insider says to 'keep an eye' on this prospect at Pick No. 19
One of the nation's top wideouts could be the Panthers' backup plan with Pick No. 19 on Thursday.
Many seem to agree that the Carolina Panthers could be targeting Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. But with a great deal of skepticism regarding the defensive back's availability at the 19th overall spot, they may have to go to a backup plan. According to Joe Person of The Athletic , that alternative could be Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
—who he wrote the following of in his team-centric big board from Tuesday: Fernando Mendoza’s favorite target (69-937-13 TDs) during the Hoosiers’ national championship season, Cooper has more dependable hands than Concepcion. Keep an eye on Cooper at 19 if Thieneman is off the board. Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano are also popular names connected to the Panthers with their first-round pick.
Cooper may be the best backup plan if Thieneman is not there, though. The fastest way that the Panthers can become a serious NFC contender is by filling out the supporting offensive cast around quarterback Bryce Young. Sadiq could play a part in that effort, but Cooper's college numbers are both more impressive and come with a bigger sample size.
In 42 total college games, Cooper put up 1,798 receiving yards and scored 22 touchdowns—nearly doubling Sadiq's production in both categories. Here's the full 2025 highlight reel: Cooper comes with a pro comp to Deebo Samuel and has seen his draft stock skyrocket since January. Originally projected to come off the board in the third round, Cooper is now expected to be a first-round pick.