The Carolina Panthers are looking to fully optimize their assets heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Dan Morgan feels confident about taking the top talent available and sorting out roster needs afterward, while keeping every option open on the table for potential moves.
Morgan also benefits from having more time than usual to evaluate the board. Carolina currently holds the No. 19 overall pick, a noticeable improvement from where the franchise has often selected during David Tepper’s ownership era. That shift reflects the team’s upward momentum under Morgan’s leadership and head coach Dave Canales.
Following a productive offseason that included notable additions in edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd, Morgan now has even greater roster flexibility. However, he is not limiting himself in any direction as the draft approaches.
Dan Morgan is ready for anything that comes Carolina Panthers’ way during the draft
The Panthers’ top decision-maker is approaching the draft with an adaptable mindset. Morgan has not dismissed the possibility of moving either up or down the board, depending on how things unfold and what opportunities arise. Carolina has prepared for multiple scenarios as the draft pressure builds.
“Philosophically, we have an open-minded mindset. We’re open to anything, whether it’s moving back, whether it’s moving up, if we feel like a guy can be an impact player for us, I do think all options are on the table.
“It’s really no different in terms of the process. We’re gonna be ready for any and all scenarios that present themselves. A lot of things can happen unexpectedly, so we’ve just got to be ready for any and all scenarios.”
This approach is well justified for Carolina. Morgan, Canales, and Brandt Tilis are expected to thoroughly evaluate all possibilities, including trade offers. With owner David Tepper’s background as a billionaire hedge fund manager known for calculated decision-making, the organization also has strong support when it comes to navigating trade discussions.
Some analysts project Carolina could move down the board to accumulate more draft capital, while others believe the team could trade up if a preferred prospect becomes available. Given Morgan’s track record of navigating the draft landscape effectively, neither direction can be ruled out.
In what is expected to be an unpredictable draft, one certainty remains: Morgan will rely heavily on his evaluations and the collective judgment of Carolina’s draft room. From there, he will act decisively on any opportunity that he believes strengthens the team both immediately and in the long term.
The Panthers appear to be trending upward for the first time in several years, but the focus remains firmly on continued progress rather than comfort. Expectations are rising, and confidence is growing that Morgan will make the necessary moves.
What those decisions ultimately look like is still unclear, but the picture should come into focus soon as the draft approaches.