After a rocky start to the 2025 season, the Carolina Panthers rallied to reach the playoffs behind record-setting production from Rico Dowdle and improved consistency from quarterback Bryce  Young. 

Carolina’s season ended with a close Wild Card loss to the Rams, but the run set the stage for a  2026 push. GM Dan Morgan attacked free agency, adding high-end defensive talent with linebacker Devin Lloyd and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. 

Panthers Draft Picks:

• Round 1: No. 19
• Round 2: No. 51
• Round 3: No. 83
• Round 4: No. 119
• Round 5: No. 158 (from Vikings)
• Round 5: No. 159
• Round 6: No. 200

Morgan now turns to the draft with several picks available to use. While he has emphasized“flexibility”in the draft, there are still several positions that the Panthers need to fill.

Panthers Positions of Need:

• S
• LB
• TE
• C

Panthers Key Draft Targets:

Dillon Thieneman – Safety – Oregon 

In a safety-rich class, Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman could fill Carolina’s biggest hole: a fast,  physical defender with strong tackling and explosiveness. If he’s available at No. 19, he should be a top option, though some projections have him going one pick earlier to Minnesota. 

If the Panthers don’t get Thieneman, there is a boatload of options at safety that they can still find great success with. However, Thieneman should be priority number one.

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Jacob Rodriguez – LB – Texas Tech

Even after reshaping the linebacker room in free agency, Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez remains a strong Day 2 target for the Panthers to go and get. He’s already met twice with Panthers staff and had great things to say about the organization. Rodriguez could certainly be in play for the  Panthers to snatch in the second round.

Max Klare – TE – Ohio State 

Ohio State tight end Max Klare stands out if Carolina waits until later in the draft to fill their need at tight end. At 6-foot-5, he offers a big target who can stretch the field and line up in multiple spots across the line. Drafting Klare would certainly be a risk due to his size, but one that the Panthers could be inclined to take.

Jake Slaughter – C – Florida 

With Cade Mays gone, center is a clear priority for the Panthers. Florida’s Jake Slaughter, an experienced, five-year starter and Second-Team All-American, could challenge for snaps immediately, while also offering a long-term answer beyond the team’s one-year Luke Fortner addition. 

For the Panthers, it will be a matter of how long they can wait to snatch up Slaughter, with several teams sure to be eyeing him as a potential successor to their aging centers.

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The Atlanta Falcons’ star-laden roster underwhelmed in 2025. Quarterback Michael Penix’s first year as a starter led to another 8-9 season and extended their playoff drought another year. In a very winnable NFC South, this is not how Falcons fans expected their season to go. 

Owner Arthur Blank shared the fans’ sentiment. His decision to move on from Head Coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot made that very clear. 

Blank rebuilt the Falcon’s leadership entirely by bringing in Ian Cunningham as General Manager, Kevin Stefanski as Head Coach, and franchise legend Matt Ryan as President of Football Operations. The trio will have scarce opportunities in the 2026 Draft, as they currently own just five draft picks. 

Falcons Draft Picks:

• Round 2: Pick 48
• Round 3: Pick 79
• Round 4: Pick 122
• Round 6: Pick 215
• Round 7: Pick 231

Atlanta has premier talent at several position groups on their roster. Unfortunately, the “dirty birds” lack significant depth. A common theme for the Falcons is having a star player, such as Drake London or AJ Terrell, at a position, followed by a steep drop-off in ability compared to their counterparts. 

Falcons Positions of Need:

The Falcons will aim to shrink that talent gap by targeting the following positions in this year’s draft: 

• WR
• LB 
• CB
• OL 

Key Draft Targets for Falcons:

Jacob Rodriguez – LB – Texas Tech  

Rodriguez was one of the most notable names in college football last season. The Falcons lost Kaden Elliss, who led the team in tackles the last three seasons, to free agency. Atlanta could fill a big hole with a big name. 

Cunningham may need to get creative to land the Texas Tech standout. Rodriguez is currently ranked as the 42nd overall prospect by NFL Mock Draft Database, while the Falcons’ first pick sits at No. 48. 

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Malik Muhammad – CB – Texas 

Muhammad may not offer the same name recognition as Falcons cornerback AJ Terrell’s little brother, Avieon, but he is a much more achievable target. The Texas corner has experienced the best competition available by competing in the SEC. 

He should be on the board through the end of Day 2. A readymade pro, Atlanta can draft Muhammad and implant him into the starting defense as a running mate for Terrell immediately. 

Brenen Thompson – WR – Mississippi State

Drake London is one of the most imposing receivers in football. Atlanta needs to build depth behind him. They may be able to do so while also diversifying their offense by adding Brenen Thompson. 

Thompson’s small build and elite quickness would introduce a whole new element to the Falcons’ offense. Thompson is expected to be a fourth-round pick. The Falcons would love to weaponize his speed on the turf of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 

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