MOCK DRAFT BUZZ: Will the Carolina Panthers SELECT Kenyon Sadiq or Omar Cooper Jr.?

As draft week heats up, the Carolina Panthers prepare to reshape their roster. With the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, experts like Todd McShay, Jordan Reid, and Mel Kiper Jr. signal a fierce debate: should the Panthers target premium pass catchers like Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) or Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana), or bolster their defense with standouts such as Dylan Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren? Mock drafts highlight Carolina’s ongoing struggle at tight end and the urgent need to maximize Bryce Young’s rookie contract window. Julian Council breaks down the Panthers top draft scenarios, analyzing the team’s offensive and defensive priorities and the ripple effects of recent roster moves. With seven picks on the line, the conversation turns to potential impact players, including Eli Stowers, Oscar Delp, and developmental tackles. Which draft strategy will propel the Panthers toward contention—stacking weapons for Young or shoring up the defense for long-term stability? Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast. Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.