The Carolina Panthers have done a good job of upgrading their roster this offseason. The Panthers used their first-round draft pick on stud wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, yet still managed to overhaul what was an abysmal defense in 2024.
Looking to the future, the team has now been predicted to add another top receiver prospect in the first round of next year’s draft.
PFSN 2026 Mock Draft: Panthers Draft Offensive Weapons in Round 1
PFSN’s latest three-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft sees the team move around the board and end up with two new players at the end of Day 1.
The Panthers were a train wreck for the first eight games of the season, winning just one. Second-year quarterback Bryce Young already had question marks over his future, and his fledgling career already looked as good as over when he was replaced by Andy Dalton in Week 3.
Bryce Young to TMAC, too easypic.twitter.com/4JfTmxritq
— Blande (@JustBlande) June 10, 2025
After Dalton was forced to miss time with injury, though, Young returned and appeared completely transformed. A newfound confidence led to the quarterback winning four games down the stretch and resurrecting his career.
After taking another big step forward this offseason, the Panthers could soon find themselves challenging for the NFC South crown. That goal would be made considerably more achievable by the addition of powerful receiver Jordyn Tyson. Tyson would have been a notable name in the 2025 draft, but opted to spend another year at Arizona State.
In PFSN’s 2026 NFL Mock Draft, written by Mark Stolte, the Panthers land Tyson after trading up into the late first round, forfeiting their 2027 first-rounder to the L.A. Rams.
“Jordyn Tyson is a strong complement to McMillan, playing about half his 2024 snaps in the slot. He posted over 1,000 yards and had 10 touchdowns last season and is expected to build on that with rising quarterback Sam Leavitt.”
Tyson’s explosiveness was on display throughout the 2024 season, but particularly late on. The receiver tallied 444 receiving yards and three receiving scores over his final three games of the year. His 10 receiving touchdowns in 2024 highlight his difference-making ability, adding to the four he scored at Colorado in his freshman year.
In addition to Tyson, Stolte also projects Carolina to use their first pick (eighth overall) on offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa out of Miami. With this pick, the Panthers will look to add Mauigoa in hopes of protecting a young quarterback, whether it’s young or another from the draft.
Per Stolte, “Mauigoa allowed just one sack in 2024 — a credit to his pass blocking, massive range, and power.”
Panthers Need Tetairoa McMillan to Step Up
After arguably reaching for Xavier Legette in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Panthers really need McMillan to prove a hit. The team has a real chance to make a serious leap in 2025 and fight for a playoff spot. If they end up consecutive misses on first-round wide receivers, it would be a huge blow to their momentum.
McMillan should prove an astute selection for Carolina, though, and his catch-point prowess would complement Tyson’s playmaking ability very well. Legette will likely be relegated to a depth role if he fails to improve on his rookie year, but his explosive physical traits should give him an opportunity to turn things around in 2025.
If he doesn’t, then Tyson could well be on his way to Carolina in 2026.