Panthers Bring in Top WR Prospect for Pre-Draft Visit

Carolina continues to bolster its passing attack ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:05pm

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The Carolina Panthers are bringing in University of Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., a potential first-round pick, for a top-30 pre-draft visit. This comes as the team has done extensive scouting of receivers leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, looking to add more weapons around young quarterback Bryce Young.

Why it matters

The Panthers have made wide receiver a priority in recent drafts, using first-round picks on Xavier Legette in 2024 and Tetairoa McMillan in 2025. Bringing in Cooper, a standout for the Hoosiers, suggests they could be targeting the position again in the upcoming draft as they look to continue building around Young.

The details

Cooper, a native of Indianapolis, Indiana, is coming off a strong 2025 season where he recorded 69 catches for 937 yards and 6 touchdowns. He was a second-team All-Big Ten selection and helped lead Indiana to the national championship. The Panthers currently hold the 19th overall pick in the 2026 draft.

  • The Panthers will host Cooper for a top-30 pre-draft visit.
  • Cooper is entering the 2026 NFL Draft after a standout college career at Indiana.

The players

Omar Cooper Jr.

A wide receiver prospect from the University of Indiana who is expected to be a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Bryce Young

The Panthers' starting quarterback, who the team is looking to build around by adding more offensive weapons.

Dave Canales

The head coach of the Carolina Panthers.

Xavier Legette

A wide receiver drafted by the Panthers in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Tetairoa McMillan

A wide receiver drafted by the Panthers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“We've done a lot of work on receivers leading up to the draft.”

— Jordan Reid, ESPN NFL Draft Analyst

“We're looking to add more weapons around Bryce [Young].”

— Dave Canales, Head Coach

What’s next

The Panthers will evaluate Cooper during his top-30 visit and determine if he is a fit for their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Panthers' focus on adding offensive playmakers through the draft in recent years shows their commitment to building around young quarterback Bryce Young. Bringing in a top receiver prospect like Omar Cooper Jr. for a visit suggests they could target the position again in the upcoming draft as they look to further upgrade their passing attack.