March 16, 2026, 1:30 p.m. ET

The Carolina Panthers might’ve made the biggest splash in this year’s free-agency pool. From reeling in top linebackers Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd to locking in the top left tackle Rasheed Walker, the reigning NFC South champions have emerged as early winners this offseason.

But how have their huge signings affected their draft plans?

Here, in the fifth edition of our mock draft roundup, are the latest first-round projections for the Panthers . . .

USA Today Sports

Pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

Author: Nate Davis and Ayrton Ostly

Take: The first tight end in combine history to record a sub-4.4 40, Sadiq, who also had a 43½-inch vert, certainly made some money in Indianapolis. And maybe he gest paid in Charlotte, where the Panthers haven’t gotten much from their tight ends in recent seasons.

Sports Illustrated

Pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Author: Justin Melo

Take: The Carolina Panthers spent big on defense, adding Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips. They can use this pick to continue supporting Bryce Young’s development. Kenyon Sadiq is a borderline top-10 prospect in this class, but could be pushed down the board due to playing a devalued position. Sadiq is a freak athlete (4.39, 43.5-inch vertical, 11-foot-1 broad). He creates mismatches as a pass catcher, and is also competitive enough to block in-line.

Pro Football Focus

Pick: Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

Author: Gordon McGuinness

Take: Banks broke his foot injury at the NFL combine, but before that, he was having arguably the best pre-draft process of any defensive lineman. Although injury also limited him to just 96 snaps in 2025, he has rare athleticism for his size. We’ll have to see if the injury impacts his draft stock.

The Ringer

Pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Author: Diante Lee

Take: Nothing Carolina does in 2026 will be more important than getting clarity on whether quarterback Bryce Young is a long-term solution. That means that beefing up the offense is a priority early in the draft, particularly with dependable receivers who complement budding star Tetairoa McMillan.

Lemon is the perfect candidate for Carolina’s offense. He runs great routes from the slot, creates offense with the ball in his hands, and competes at the catch point as if he were 6-foot-3. A receiving corps with McMillan, Lemon, and Jalen Coker would be an ideal mix of skill sets, and Young would have all he needs to prove that he can lead this franchise beyond his rookie deal.

theScore

Pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

Author: Dan Wilkins

Take: I love what the Panthers did in free agency. Spending big to sign Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd completely changes the makeup of this front seven. Might that aggressiveness clear the way for Carolina to use this pick on another weapon for Bryce Young? Sadiq, a truly elite athlete at tight end, would be an excellent running mate for 2025 first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan on the outside.

FOX Sports

Pick: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama

Author: Joel Klatt

Take: Left tackle Ikem Ekwonu seems likely to miss the entire 2026 season after rupturing his patellar tendon in the Panthers’ playoff loss to the Rams. While the Panthers just recently signed Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker, it’s still smart for them to get as much protection in front of quarterback Bryce Young. Proctor’s an athletic left tackle considering his tremendous size (6-foot-7, 350 pounds). 

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