Panthers Double Down at WR in CBS' New 2026 Mock Draft

Carolina adds a pair of exciting wide receiver prospects to bolster Bryce Young's passing attack.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:06am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football game in abstract, fragmented shapes and planes of color, with players' forms deconstructed into overlapping geometric forms.The Panthers' continued investment in wide receiver talent aims to provide quarterback Bryce Young with a diverse array of offensive weapons.Charlotte Today

In a new three-round 2026 NFL mock draft from CBS Sports, the Carolina Panthers are projected to select Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion in the first round and Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II in the third round to further strengthen their receiving corps around quarterback Bryce Young.

Why it matters

The Panthers have struggled to find consistent production at wide receiver since the departure of Steve Smith in 2013, and adding multiple talented pass-catchers could help elevate their passing offense and get the team back into playoff contention.

The details

In the first round, the mock has the Panthers taking the 6-foot, 196-pound Concepcion, a Charlotte native who transferred from NC State to Texas A&M and totaled 185 receptions, 2,218 yards and 25 touchdowns over the last three seasons. In the third round, they select the 6-foot-5, 198-pound Brazzell, who had a breakout 2025 season at Tennessee with 1,017 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. Together, the two receivers would provide a diverse set of skills and talents to complement each other and give Young more weapons in the passing game.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

KC Concepcion

A wide receiver from Texas A&M who is projected to be selected by the Carolina Panthers in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Chris Brazzell II

A wide receiver from Tennessee who is projected to be selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Bryce Young

The starting quarterback for the Carolina Panthers.

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What they’re saying

“The Panthers go wide receiver in the first round for a third straight year. Concepcion brings juice and separation ability that no one else on the roster can match.”

— Mike Renner, CBS Sports Analyst

“Together, these two picks would fill out all of Carolina's needs at this spot. The very different skill sets of Concepcion and Brazzell add another dimension to round out what's been a largely one-dimensional passing game.”

— Mike Renner, CBS Sports Analyst

What’s next

The Panthers will look to address their wide receiver needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The takeaway

The Panthers' continued investment in the wide receiver position through the draft underscores the importance of surrounding young quarterback Bryce Young with as much offensive talent as possible to help the team return to playoff contention.