Panthers Must Avoid Drafting These 2 Players in 2026

Carolina needs to focus on protecting QB Bryce Young and building a contender, not flashy picks.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:25pm

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The Carolina Panthers have made significant strides in free agency, but they must be disciplined in the 2026 NFL Draft to continue their momentum. Two players the team should avoid are tight end Eli Stowers and quarterback Drew Allar, as they do not address the team's most pressing needs on the offensive line and would be redundant or risky picks, respectively.

Why it matters

The Panthers are on the cusp of contention after years of instability, and they cannot afford to make missteps in the draft that could undo the progress they've made. Protecting their franchise quarterback Bryce Young and building a sustainable, physical offense should be the top priorities.

The details

The Panthers made several key free agent signings, including edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd, to bolster their defense. On offense, they added RB AJ Dillon and WR Rasheed Walker. However, the team still has a critical void at left tackle after Ikem Ekwonu's injury. Drafting a blue-chip offensive lineman is essential to protect Young. Tight end Eli Stowers and QB Drew Allar, while intriguing prospects, do not address this need and could be distractions from the team's core objectives.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching in the coming weeks.

The players

Eli Stowers

A tight end prospect with an impressive athletic profile and versatility, but lacks the blocking ability and physicality the Panthers need to support their offense.

Drew Allar

A quarterback prospect with elite arm strength and physical tools, but inconsistent mechanics and struggles under pressure, making him a risky pick for a team that has already invested in Bryce Young as their franchise QB.

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What they’re saying

“The Panthers need a physical, sustainable offense around Young. That requires tight ends who can set edges, chip pass rushers, and contribute in the trenches. Stowers does none of those things at a reliable level.”

— Enzo Flojo, Author

“Allar's inconsistency under pressure is a glaring concern. When the pocket collapses, his mechanics tend to unravel. That's a fundamental issue. For the Panthers, drafting a quarterback who struggles in chaos feels like doubling down on the wrong problem.”

— Enzo Flojo, Author

What’s next

The Panthers will have the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they will look to address their need at left tackle to protect Bryce Young.

The takeaway

The Panthers have made significant strides in free agency, but they must exercise discipline in the 2026 NFL Draft to continue their momentum. Avoiding flashy but redundant or risky picks like Eli Stowers and Drew Allar, and instead focusing on solidifying the offensive line, is crucial for the team's long-term success.