Overview
- Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr. is visiting the Panthers on a top-30 pre-draft trip, and ESPN’s Jordan Reid says he could be in play at pick No. 19.
- Drafting a receiver first again would make it three straight years for Carolina after taking Xavier Legette in 2024 and Tetairoa McMillan, the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year, in 2025.
- Carolina’s recent additions of linebacker Devin Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips in free agency lessen the urgency to spend Round 1 on defense.
- Many mock drafts urge the Panthers to bolster the offensive line, with ESPN projecting Utah’s Spencer Fano in Round 1 and Iowa center Logan Jones on Day 2, and other mocks flagging tackle depth and center as priority needs with pick No. 51.
- Cooper helped Indiana win a national title with 69 catches, 937 yards, and 13 touchdowns last season, and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah ranks him No. 18 overall.