April 1, 2026, 6:05 p.m. ET
The Carolina Panthers are doing their homework at a premium position.
According to ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid, the Panthers will bring in University of Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr. for a top-30 visit. Reid also notes that Carolina has “done a lot work on receivers” leading up to this year’s selection process.
Cooper, a potential first-round prospect, will enter the pros as a national champion and second-team All-Big Ten selection from 2025. The Indianapolis, Ind. native recorded 69 catches for 937 yards and six touchdowns this past season after tallying a conference-high 21.9 yards per reception in 2024.
Reid’s intel comes a few days after head coach Dave Canales hinted to The Athletic that the Panthers are looking to add more weapons around starting quarterback Bryce Young. They’ve done so with their last two first-round picks—Xavier Legette (32nd overall) in 2024 and Tetairoa McMillan (eighth) in 2025.
Carolina is slated to pick 19th overall in 2026.
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