Panthers Bring in National Champion WR Before NFL Draft

Carolina looks to add another weapon for young QB Bryce Young.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:40pm

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The Carolina Panthers are bringing in national champion wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. of Indiana for a top 30 pre-draft visit, signaling their interest in potentially selecting him with the 19th overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. This would mark the third straight year the Panthers have drafted a wide receiver in the first round, following the selections of Tetairoa McMillan in 2025 and Xavier Legette in 2024.

Why it matters

The Panthers are looking to surround young quarterback Bryce Young with more offensive talent after the team ranked 26th in passing yards last season. Cooper could provide a dynamic playmaking threat in the mold of 49ers star Deebo Samuel, helping to boost the team's aerial attack.

The details

Cooper is coming off a standout season at Indiana, where he was a key part of the Hoosiers' national championship team. The 6'2" receiver had 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and 7 touchdowns, earning him recognition as one of the top wideout prospects in this year's draft class. The Panthers have done extensive work evaluating receivers and view Cooper as a potential option at 19th overall.

  • The Panthers are hosting Cooper for a top 30 pre-draft visit in Charlotte.
  • The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25.

The players

Omar Cooper Jr.

A 6'2" wide receiver who led Indiana to the national championship last season, catching 70 passes for 1,014 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Bryce Young

The Panthers' young starting quarterback, who is entering his third NFL season after being selected 1st overall in 2024.

Dave Canales

The Panthers' head coach, who is looking to build up the team's receiving corps around Young.

Dan Morgan

The Panthers' general manager, who will make the final decision on whether to select Cooper in the first round.

Tetairoa McMillan

The Panthers' 2025 first-round pick at wide receiver, who had a standout rookie season with 70 catches for 1,014 yards and 7 touchdowns.

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What they’re saying

“They've done a lot of work on receivers and Cooper Jr. could be an option at No. 19 overall.”

— Jordan Reid, ESPN NFL Insider

What’s next

The Panthers will continue their evaluation of Cooper and other top receiver prospects ahead of the NFL Draft on April 23-25, where they will look to add another dynamic playmaker to their offense.

The takeaway

The Panthers' interest in Cooper signals their continued commitment to building a strong receiving corps around young quarterback Bryce Young. After investing first-round picks in receivers the past two years, Carolina appears poised to potentially do so again in 2023 as they look to take their offense to new heights.