The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft with plenty of options on the table. After a minor hiccup in free agency, they’re looking to the draft to fill crucial gaps at wide receiver, tight end, center, and defensive line. Using the PFF mock simulator as a guide, let’s dive into what the Panthers might do with their picks.
With the 19th pick in the first round, the Panthers could snag a gem. Enter Faulk, a player who’s been projected to go higher in other mocks.
Despite not desperately needing an edge rusher, Faulk’s potential is hard to ignore. NFL.com praises his frame and movement skills, suggesting he could quickly become a strong starter.
His high character and athleticism make him a culture fit, though he’ll need to refine his gap control.
Bleacher Report sees Faulk as a first-year starter, though his best fit might be as a 4i-technique in odd fronts rather than strictly an edge rusher. At 6'6" and 275 pounds, Faulk’s physical profile is impressive, and at just 20 years old, he has room to grow into a defensive lineman role.
Next up, Thomas, a rush linebacker with a potential to shine if he can overcome size limitations. Standing at 6-2 and 241 pounds, he’s described as a “twitched-up” player with rush talent that could offset his lack of size.
While he’s added mass, he can struggle against bigger blockers. His strength lies in slipping into gaps and disrupting plays before they fully develop.
The Panthers might also look at Klare, the No. 3-ranked tight end by NFL Draft Buzz. At 6-4 and 246 pounds, Klare offers a promising target in the passing game.
His ability to threaten vertically and win on intermediate routes makes him a flexible option for offensive coordinators. Though his production dipped at Ohio State, it’s attributed more to scheme than skill.
Daniels, another potential pick, brings a savvy approach to route running. His knack for creating catch opportunities is notable, although he might face challenges against quality press coverage. At 6-2 and 202 pounds, he’s projected as a backup but could find his way into a lineup with his route-running skills.
Royer, on the other hand, offers more potential as a starter. With a solid frame at 6-5 and 247 pounds, his quickness and physicality make him a valuable pass-catching option. His two years as a starter at Cincinnati showcased his ability to make tough catches, a skill the Panthers could capitalize on.
Cameron, with his excellent size at 6-2 and 220 pounds, faces a different challenge. His lack of speed might hold him back, but his ability to catch everything thrown his way and fight through contact could make him a valuable asset in crucial game situations.
Finally, there’s Koziol, who could be a hidden gem. Leading all tight ends in receptions and contested-catch percentage, Koziol’s college stats are impressive. His role as a big slot receiver could be his path to NFL success, using his size and athleticism to outmatch defenders.
The Panthers have plenty of options and potential steals in this draft, setting the stage for an exciting rebuild. With strategic picks, they could address their needs and set themselves up for future success.