Panthers Disclose Alternative Picks Considered for 19th Selection in 2026 NFL Draft

The Carolina Panthers feel confident about their first-round choice in the 2026 NFL Draft, but they had additional players in mind. In a recent episode of Panthers Blueprint, the franchise offered fans a glimpse into their draft strategy and decision-making process.

The show featured insights from Eric Eager, the team's vice president of football analytics, who discussed a prediction model. This model helped the front office gauge the likelihood of various players being available by the time their selection came around. Key discussions among executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis, general manager Dan Morgan, and owner David Tepper revealed that offensive tackles Monroe Freeling and Kadyn Proctor, along with pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr., were among the candidates the Panthers were considering.

Ultimately, the Panthers secured Freeling with the 19th overall pick, while Proctor and Bain were already chosen, going 12th to the Miami Dolphins and 15th to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively. This choice contrasts with earlier speculations suggesting the Panthers were focused on Oregon players, tight end Kenyon Sadiq and safety Dillon Thieneman, who were picked 16th by the New York Jets and 25th by the Chicago Bears.

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