After a rocky start to the 2025 season, the Carolina Panthers rallied to reach the playoffs behind record-setting production from Rico Dowdle and improved consistency from quarterback Bryce Young.
Carolina’s season ended with a close Wild Card loss to the Rams, but the run set the stage for a 2026 push. GM Dan Morgan attacked free agency, adding high-end defensive talent with linebacker Devin Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips.
Panthers Draft Picks:
Round 1: No. 19
Round 2: No. 51
Round 3: No. 83
Round 4: No. 119
Round 5: No. 158 (from Vikings)
Round 5: No. 159
Round 6: No. 200
Morgan now turns to the draft with several picks available to use. While he has emphasized “flexibility” in the draft, there are still several positions that the Panthers need to fill.
Panthers Positions of Need:
Panthers Key Draft Targets:
Dillon Thieneman – Safety – Oregon
In a safety-rich class, Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman could fill Carolina’s biggest hole: a fast, physical defender with strong tackling and explosiveness. If he’s available at No. 19, he should be a top option, though some projections have him going one pick earlier to Minnesota.
If the Panthers don’t get Thieneman, there is a boatload of options at safety that they can still find great success with. However, Thieneman should be priority number one.