Carolina Panthers 2026 Mock Draft Report, version 2.0

Feb 19, 2026 at 03:31 PM

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.

Fox Sports

19th

WR - Kevin "KC" Concepcion

Texas A&M

WR Kevin "KC" Concepcion, Texas A&M

For as good as Bryce Young and reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan proved to be in their first year together, one has to wonder if there isn't a lot more "meat on the bone" for the Panthers to enjoy with a second reliable playmaker added to the equation. Concepcion's electric speed and elusiveness could be the perfect complement to T-Mac, as well as provide some spark to a return unit that has produced just one TD over the past eight years.

ESPN

19th

Edge - Akheem Mesidor

Miami

Edge, Akheem Mesidor, Miami

The Panthers addressed their pass-rush need last year by taking Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen in the second and third rounds, respectively. But no Panthers player reached the six-sack mark for the second straight season.

Mesidor is a tenacious rusher who had 5.5 sacks and 16 pressures in Miami's four CFP games. He has violent hands, a diverse arsenal of moves and a first step that throws tackles onto their heels. The complicating factor is that Mesidor will turn 25 before the draft. Would every team be comfortable taking him in the first round? I don't believe so, but this is a worthwhile move for a roster that is aiming to step up in the NFC hierarchy.

The Ringer

19th

Defensive end- Cashius Howell

Texas A&M

Defensive End, Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

The Panthers added two impact edge rushers in last year's draft in Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, but that doesn't stop them from bolstering the spot even more here. Howell is a tenacious, twitchy rusher who constantly stresses opposing tackles. A top-tier pass rush group could put Carolina over the top in the division in 2026.

Pro Football Focus

19th

DL - Caleb Banks

Florida

DL Caleb Banks, Florida

Banks flashed at the Senior Bowl after returning to action for Florida late in the year due to injury. He has the size that NFL teams look for on the defensive interior, and he flashed both as a pass rusher and against the run in college, recording four sacks back in 2024.

CBS NFL

19th

WR - Kevin "KC" Concepcion

Texas A&M

WR Kevin "KC" Concepcion, Texas A&M

Tetairoa McMillan was a hit for the Panthers last year, but they could use a complement for him in the offense, and KC Concepcion feels like a good fit alongside him. He's not huge, but he plays bigger than his size. He reminds me a bit of former Panthers WR Steve Smith.

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Luke Kuechly smiles after being announced for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026 during football's NFL Honors award show in San Francisco, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

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Adam Vinatieri, from left, sits with Luke Kuechly, Larry Fitzgerald, Roger Craig and Drew Brees after being announced for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026 during football's NFL Honors award show in San Francisco, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

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Adam Vinatieri, from left, stands with Luke Kuechly, Larry Fitzgerald, Roger Craig and Drew Brees after being announced for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2026 during football's NFL Honors award show in San Francisco, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

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Luke Kuechly is Sized for instrument in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026 in San Francisco, CA.