Panthers' Surprise Pick: Shaping Line or Secondary

0:00It's April 20th. This is NFL News Today Football coverage powered by AI. Last year, the Carolina Panthers flipped the script at the 8th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Everyone expected Georgia Linebacker Jaylon Walker, but they snagged Arizona wide receiver Tettaroa McMillan instead. That move paid off huge. He became their first Associated Press offensive rookie of the year since 2011 and powered them to the NFC South. Title, their first in 10 years. Now, as reigning division champs, they're sitting at 19th overall in 2026 and folks wonder if another surprise is coming. Coach Dave Canalis recently said he skips first round depth picks, but that might just be smoke. He's eyeing offensive tackles like Minnesota's Max Ihanakor, a 6 foot 5, 321 pound athlete who could develop into a franchise anchor. Meanwhile, Clemson's Blake Miller offers pro-ready skills as a two-time all-ACC right tackle.

1:01He'd back up Vets Rashid Walker and Taylor Moton now, but serve as the long-term plan, especially with Moton, turning 33 and Ecom equinu. Rehaving a knee injury, according to early buzz, they might grab Clemson's Peter Woods on defense, too. His stock dipped after a down year, but pairing him with pro-buller. And Derek Brown could revive that disruptive force, or Tennessee corner Colton Hood, to beef up the slot behind stars, JC Horn and Mike Jackson, where depth is thin. Either way, the Panthers love keeping us guessing, so that 19th pick could reshape their line or secondary in ways we least expect.