CHARLOTTE -- The Carolina Panthers walked away from the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft with a player they didn't expect to still be on the board, addressing one of the most glaring needs along the offensive line. According to Yardbarker, the Panthers drafted one of the best offensive line prospects in this draft class, a move that instantly solidifies a unit that has been in flux for years.
But now comes the tricky part.
Day 2 of the draft -- Rounds 2 and 3 -- is where championships are often built. For a Panthers team that still has significant holes on both sides of the ball, Friday night's picks could determine whether this rebuild accelerates or stalls. The Panthers currently hold selections in the second round (No. 39 overall, acquired via trade months ago) and the third round (No. 71 overall). With the board still littered with high-end talent, general manager Dan Morgan has a chance to add immediate starters at positions of need.
Here are the best prospects left for Carolina as they enter Day 2 of the NFL Draft.
Wide Receiver: The Most Obvious Need
If there's one position that screams for an upgrade, it's wide receiver. The Panthers have a promising young core with some talent already on the roster but lack a true No. 1 option -- a dynamic, game-breaking receiver who can stretch the field and command double teams. With the first round largely dominated by quarterbacks and offensive tackles, several top-tier wideouts slipped into Day 2.
One name that stands out is a big-bodied receiver with excellent ball skills and contested-catch ability. He projects as an immediate X-receiver in the Panthers' offense, capable of winning on the outside and giving the quarterback a reliable target in critical situations. He ran a sub-4.4 40-yard dash at the combine, suggesting his speed translates seamlessly to the NFL level. According to Yardbarker, this prospect was initially projected as a late first-round pick but fell due to a deep receiver class and some medical concerns that have since been cleared.
Another intriguing option is a shifty slot receiver with elite route-running ability and yards-after-catch potential. He's not the biggest player on the field, but he makes defenders miss in the open field and has the quickness to create separation on intermediate routes. For a Panthers offense that needs more explosiveness in the passing game, either of these receivers would be a home run.
Edge Rusher: Pressure from the Outside
The Panthers invested heavily in their defensive front last offseason, but the edge rusher position still lacks a true difference-maker. The team has some solid rotational pieces but needs a dynamic pass rusher who can consistently generate pressure off the edge. With the first round seeing several edge rushers come off the board early, there are still quality options available.
One prospect who fits the Panthers' scheme perfectly is a long, athletic edge defender with a relentless motor. He excelled at the Senior Bowl, dominating one-on-one drills with his combination of power and bend. He's not the most polished technician yet, but his raw tools are undeniable. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero will appreciate his ability to set the edge against the run while also providing a pass-rush threat on third downs.
Another edge rusher still available is a speed-to-power specialist who uses his hands well and has a knack for strip-sacks. He may be a bit undersized, but his explosiveness and football IQ make him a viable starter early in his career. If the Panthers want to add a player who can contribute immediately on passing downs, this is the one to watch.
Cornerback: Depth and Competition
The Panthers' secondary is a work in progress. While they have a few young players they're high on, the cornerback room lacks established depth and a true lockdown option. Day 2 offers several cornerbacks who could step in and compete for a starting job from Day 1.
The best cornerback available is a tall, physical press-man specialist who thrives in bump-and-run coverage. He has excellent length and ball skills, with a knack for getting his hands on passes at the catch point. He's not the fastest player in the class, but he plays with great anticipation and positioning. In a division with talented wide receivers, adding a cornerback who can match up physically is a priority.
Another option is a versatile defensive back who can play both outside and in the slot. He's a sure tackler who is comfortable in zone coverage and has the awareness to make plays on the ball. The Panthers value versatility in their secondary, and this prospect would give the defensive backs coach flexibility in how he deploys his personnel.
Safety: A Potential Steal
While the Panthers have some young safeties they're developing, adding a high-floor player in the middle rounds could pay dividends. One safety still on the board is a do-it-all defender who can play deep, in the box, or cover tight ends man-to-man. He's a team captain with excellent football character and instincts. He may not be a flashy prospect, but he is the kind of steady, reliable presence every defense needs.
If the Panthers miss out on a cornerback early, grabbing a safety who can help in coverage and against the run is a smart fallback.
Interior Offensive Line: Depth and Future Planning
Even after adding a first-round offensive tackle, the Panthers could still use more depth along the interior. Another starting guard or a versatile swing interior lineman would be a valuable addition. One prospect who fits the bill is a powerful, mauling guard who excels in the run game. He's not the most athletic pass blocker, but he has the strength to anchor against bull rushes and the nastiness to finish blocks in the run game.
Given the Panthers' commitment to building through the trenches, don't be surprised if they double-dip on offensive line with one of their Day 2 picks.
Tight End: A Future Weapon
The Panthers have a solid starting tight end, but adding a developmental pass-catching weapon in the third round could give the offense another dimension. One tight end who is still available is a big, athletic target who can line up inline, in the slot, or split out wide. He's a matchup problem for linebackers and safeties and has the hands to make tough catches in traffic. He's not a complete blocker yet, but his receiving upside is undeniable.
What Should the Panthers Do?
The Panthers have to balance need with value. The board will dictate their decisions, but they should prioritize the best player available at a position of need. Wide receiver and edge rusher remain the most pressing needs, and there are still legitimate starters available at both positions.
If a top-tier receiver falls to No. 39, that should be the pick. If not, grabbing a dynamic edge rusher or a cornerback would be equally impactful. In the third round, adding a versatile defensive back or a developmental tight end would provide good value while filling long-term needs.
The good news for Panthers fans is that the front office has positioned itself well. They landed a franchise-level talent in the first round and now have the picks and cap flexibility to continue building a roster that can compete in the NFC South.
Day 2 of the NFL Draft is where this rebuild truly begins. The Panthers have a chance to add multiple impact players who will be with the organization for years to come. With the right choices, this could be the draft that sets Carolina on a path back to contention.
Stay tuned, Panthers fans. The best is yet to come.