Panthers' Top Draft Pick: Stukes or Thieneman?

0:00On April 21st, the Carolina Panthers are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, kicking off in just two days, and they've got the 19th. Overall pick. Last year, they struck gold with wide receiver Teteroroa McMillan from Arizona, who snagged the AP offensive rookie of the year award. Now, McMillan is hyping his former Wildcat teammate, Safety Trade on Stukes, as a perfect fit for Carolina. Earlier this week, General Manager Dan Morgan talked best player available strategy, but mock drafts points to Oregon Safety Dylan Thiamine as there. Top target at 19. If Tyneman goes early though, the Panthers might pivot, and McMillan is leading the charge for Stukes instead. Fans and insiders are buzzing about Stukes, who's got that late first round early second round by. McMillan called him energetic, coachable and super versatile, saying they've battled in practice for three years and built a real bond. That kind of endorsement from a star rookie carries weight in the locker room. Meanwhile, ESPN's Adam Schefter drop word from one NFL General Manager,

1:04who ranks Stukes above Ohio State's Caleb Downs and calls him one of the best safeties ever scouted. Stukes edges out guys like Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez for a top 20 spot, making him a legit reach candidate. If the enemies off the board, grabbing Stukes early wouldn't hurt Carolina's defense. They'd get a playmaker with proven upside. Keep an eye on how this unfolds as the draft clock ticks down.