Panthers 2026 NFL Draft: Picks by round, biggest needs, best fits

The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off live from Pittsburgh on Thursday, April 23 and the latest crop of rookies will be hearing their names called all weekend long. For the Carolina Panthers , the biggest need is an obvious one: Tight end. The Panthers addressed their offseason's biggest position of need in free agency with the addition of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.

Carolina's focus must now shift on offense. The Panthers had the worst pass offense of any team that qualified for the playoffs last season, no Carolina tight end had more than 29 catches. MORE: Biggest need for every team entering 2026 NFL Draft Here's everything you need to know about the Carolina Panthers for this year's draft, including a round-by-round look at picks and a potential trade candidate already on the roster: Carolina Panthers NFL draft best prospect fit: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson Per USA TODAY's Ayrton Ostly: Carolina spent massively in free agency to bring in Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd to bolster the front seven on defense.

Terrell upgrades the secondary to bring it more on par with the improvements up front. He could stick outside opposite Jaycee Horn or kick inside to the slot thanks to his smaller frame. Either way, he'd be a force in run defense with an attacking attitude.

NFL DRAFT: Finding the perfect prospect for every team Carolina Panthers NFL draft trade candidate: WR Xavier Legette Per USA TODAY's Jack McKessy: Legette didn't receive the same "shout out" from the Panthers' team owner, Dave Tepper, but he is another young receiver drafted early who could benefit from a change of scenery. Legette struggled far less with drops in 2025 after a shaky rookie season in 2024, but his production has not lived up to the general standard of a first-round receiver. The wideout drafted one pick before Coleman hasn't crossed the 1,000-yard mark for his career and might enjoy more involvement with a new team in a new offense.