March 1, 2026, 5:02 p.m. ET

Carolina Panthers president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan didn’t tip his entire hand in Indianapolis this past week, but he did give us clearer indications of what to expect this offseason. From wanting to target explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball to even hinting at sprucing up the quarterback room, Morgan set the table for the upcoming weeks during his media availability from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.

His podium time, however, wasn’t the only performance that offered up a few potential answers for the spring.

So, now that this year’s “Underwear Olympics” are closed, let’s highlight some of the event’s biggest standouts in our latest seven-round mock draft for the Panthers.

First round (No. 19 overall): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon

If you’ve been following along with us, you’d know that we used the first-rounder in our previous mock on Sadiq. And normally, for the sake of variety, we usually don’t repeat our top selections in back-to-back offerings.

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But there’s no way we’re passing up on one of the freakiest combine displays in recent memory.

Sadiq recorded the same 40-yard dash time Jonathan Taylor (4.39), the same speed on that dash as Jahmyr Gibbs (23.2 MPH) and the same broad jump as Dez Bryant (113 inches) all while standing as tall as Julio Jones (6-foot-3) and as heavy as LeGarrette Blount (241 pounds).

The Panthers, who can certainly use some extra firepower on offense, haven’t fielded a serious receiving threat at the tight end position since Greg Olsen. Sadiq would end that longstanding issue right away and make life much easier not only for quarterback Bryce Young, but also for first-year play-caller Brad Idzik.

Second round (No. 51 overall): Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, Central Florida

Carolina has lacked difference-makers on defense as well, specifically off the edge. That’s where Lawrence could come in.

The 6-foot-4, 253-pounder clocked in with the third-fastest 40-yard dash amongst pass rushers (4.52 seconds)—behind only Arvell Reese (4.46) and David Bailey (4.50). He also registered the third-quickest 10-yard split (1.59 seconds), the second-highest vertical jump (40 inches) and the second-longest broad jump (10 feet, 10 inches).

Third round (No. 83 overall): Deion Burks, WR, Oklahoma

Even before the combine, Morgan has expressed his desire to land a home-run hitter on offense. Well . . . batter up!

Burks scorched the 40-yard with a 4.30-second time, the third-fastest out of all wideouts, while notching the second-quickest 10-yard split (1.49 seconds) and the highest vertical jump (42.5 inches).

The 5-foot-10 speedster could help elevate an offense that averaged the fourth-fewest yards per attempt (6.4) and maybe even provide some upside as a return man.

Fourth round (No. 119 overall): DeMonte Capehart, DL, Clemson

Capehart earned the highest Relative Athletic Score of all defensive lineman at a 9.97.

The 6-foot-5, 313-pounder hit a startling 4.85-second 40-yard dash and a relatively bouncy 33.5-inch vertical.

As proven by the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, you can never have too much bulk upfront—and Capehart made a pretty beefy case for himself this past weekend.

Fifth round (No. 157 overall): Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

Demmings was another RAS star, topping all cornerbacks at a 9.97 of his own. He got there by tying for the fifth-fastest 40-yard dash (4.41 seconds) and 10-yard split (1.55 seconds) and the second-highest vertical (42 inches) and broad jumps (11 feet).

The Panthers must add depth behind two-time Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn and the emerging Mike Jackson.

Fifth round (No. 158 overall): Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU

Carolina needs some new faces in the middle of their defense too.

Elarms-Orr claimed the second-fastest 40-yard (4.47 seconds) and second-highest vertical (40 inches) amongst all inside ‘backers .

Sixth round (No. 199 overall): Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas

Morgan told reporters that he wants to add youth and athleticism to the quarterback room—and they didn’t get more athletic than Green.

The 6-foot-6 passer set new quarterback records for the vertical jump (43.5 inches) and broad jump (11 feet, two inches) while blazing a 4.37-second 40-yard dash. He received a near-perfect RAS of 9.99.

Seventh round (No. 235 overall): Lorenzo Styles Jr., S, Ohio State

Sonny wasn’t the only Styles who profiled in Indy. His brother Lorenzo walked (or ran) away with the second-fastest 40-yard dash of the entire event at 4.27 seconds.

Styles, a former wideout, is a stellar athlete—and can compete on special teams right out of the gate.

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