CHARLOTTE — Scouts and general managers are already on the road, hitting the all-star circuit as they begin the process of preparing for the 2026 draft.

The Panthers pick 19th overall this year, which means there are dozens of possibilities to discuss over the next three months.

And at this point, it's impossible to know which players are under consideration, but there are already mock drafts out there in the world, so we'll start taking a look at them.

The Panthers have seven total selections this year, and you can see all of their picks here, and we'll keep you posted on all the latest at Panthers.com.

TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Sadiq is the best tight end in the draft, and it's not close. He can run, block well and has great hands. His eight receiving touchdowns were the most of any tight end in FBS, making him a big-time red zone threat, as well.

Carolina could go with a defensive player here, but quarterback Bryce Young has taken a huge step this year. A lot of that progress has to do with the addition of wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in last year's draft. Expect the Panthers to continue to give their young QB offensive weapons.

LB, CJ Allen, Georgia

Carolina took a big step forward on defense (and overall) this season, but there's a looming void in the middle. Christian Rozeboom is a free agent, and the Panthers could use a three-down middle linebacker to step in. Allen is a read-and-react player who sees it and goes. In 2025, Allen had 97 tackles. He also can chip in with the pass rush, and you'll see him drop in coverage on tape.

The Panthers went from 5-12 in 2024 to NFC South champions at 8-9 this season. Nailing this pick could be important in defending that title and making more noise in the playoffs next season.

LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

The Panthers address their linebacker group here by grabbing the rangy Styles. The Buckeyes 'backer brings a scintillating combination of athleticism and length, and he's always around the ball. Styles racked up 21.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, nine passes defensed, and three forced fumbles over the past three seasons for Ohio State. He's comfortable in space, can play both the pass and the run, and is explosive when closing on the ballcarrier.

LB Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

The Panthers have the second-worst pass-rushing grade in the NFL this season. After selecting Nic Scourton in the second round last year to help fix that problem, Carolina will take another Texas A&M edge rusher here in Howell. His 12 sacks are tied for fourth among all edge defenders in America this year.

WR Makai Lemon, USC

Carolina has greater weaknesses than wide receiver and has invested significant draft capital into the position to little avail beyond Tetairoa McMillan. Makai Lemon is a smaller slot receiver who is grounded through the catch, a complement to McMillan's skill set.