The Carolina Panthers announced on Apr. 20 that they are preparing for the 2026 National Football League Draft, which will help shape the team’s future over the coming weekend.
This year’s draft is important for the Panthers as they hold seven picks, starting with No. 19 overall, a position they have never selected from before in franchise history. General manager Dan Morgan said last week that recent free agency moves addressed many of the team’s needs, giving them flexibility to select the best available player throughout all rounds.
Morgan added ten new players during free agency, including outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips and middle linebacker Devin Lloyd. Both are expected to play key roles in strengthening the team’s defense. Morgan also joked about potentially drafting a wide receiver in the first round for a third consecutive year after selecting Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan in previous drafts.
The team has planned several events around draft weekend, including welcoming their first-round pick at Bank of America Stadium on Friday morning. Jake Delhomme, Hall of Honor quarterback and analyst for Panthers Radio Network, will announce one of Carolina’s Day 2 selections from Pittsburgh.
In addition to live coverage and updates throughout draft weekend, fans can access position previews and mock drafts compiled by local reporters and national experts. The Panthers podcast network features analysis from figures such as Luke Kuechly and Trevor Sikkema discussing prospects at every position group.
The Carolina Panthers have secured multiple division titles and playoff appearances according to the official website. The team supports community outreach efforts across North and South Carolina according to their official website while playing home games in downtown Charlotte as reported by their official site. The organization emphasizes building a championship culture alongside its philanthropic activities according to its official website, providing season tickets, single-game tickets, premium seating options, and fan experiences as noted by their official site.
