Why analyst says Panthers don’t need to overthink first-round pick in NFL Draft
The Carolina Panthers’ top target in the 2026 NFL Draft remains a mystery. But according to NFL Network’s lead draft analyst, Daniel Jeremiah, the folks on Mint Street shouldn’t overthink their top selection next week.
Coming off an NFC South title-winning campaign, Carolina has improved its defensive depth chart with the free-agent additions of outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips and inside linebacker Devin Lloyd. While the team still has notable needs, the Panthers should be in position — with the No. 19 pick — to fill one of their immediate holes in the depth chart.
Among the potential options in the back half of the first round could be a pair of talented Oregon playmakers, safety Dillon Thieneman and tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion, who played locally at Julius L. Chambers High School in Charlotte. If any member of that trio is available when the Panthers on the clock, Jeremiah thinks that outcome would be favorable for general manager Dan Morgan.
“Get yourself a starter — a quality starter ... you can pick it, forget it and know that you’re solid going forward,” Jeremiah said Tuesday during a virtual interview with media.
Jeremiah, who previously worked for the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens as a college scout, used a baseball analogy to explain his straightforward outlook on Carolina.
“I’ve always told the story about (longtime Ravens GM) Ozzie Newsome just referencing ‘doubles off the wall, man,’” Jeremiah said. “Like, ‘Let’s just get doubles off the wall in the first round.’ A lot of times, those players end up turning into the great players.”
Jeremiah said the trick to avoiding disaster in the middle of the first round is to select a player with minimal “miss” factor.
“Thieneman feels that way to me,” Jeremiah said. “Sadiq, you know, he’s got some drops — I’d love to see that cleaned up. You mentioned Concepcion, that’s his bugaboo, too. Both of those guys have some drop issues. But dynamic, explosive players — competitive guys. Sadiq’s a really good blocker, you can do a lot of things with him creatively.”
“I don’t know that there’s a wrong answer there,” the analyst added.
Morgan didn’t offer up too many clues when discussing his plans for the draft earlier this week. While he wouldn’t rule out any position, the GM also didn’t take the bait when asked about specific spots in the lineup.
Jeremiah believes the Panthers will find the value they’re looking for when it’s their turn to strike within the top 20 picks.
“I just think that if you’re the Panthers, you don’t need to force it,” Jeremiah said. “Just see whose there, get yourself a solid piece, and then move on. I don’t think they have to feel like they have the proverbial gun to their head — they’ve got to do this, that or the other — they can just let the draft come to them.”
