Panthers GM Loves First-Round Receivers

Will Morgan draft another top wideout for Carolina?

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player making a catch, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.The Panthers' penchant for drafting top-tier wide receivers in the first round could lead them to target another playmaker in 2026.Charlotte Today

Since becoming the Carolina Panthers' general manager, Dan Morgan has drafted a wide receiver in the first round twice - once at the end of the round and once in the top 10. With the Panthers holding the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, there's speculation that Morgan may target another top receiving talent to bolster the team's passing attack.

Why it matters

The Panthers have invested heavily in the wide receiver position under Morgan, suggesting it's a priority for the team. Adding another first-round wideout could give the Panthers' offense a significant boost, but it also raises questions about the team's long-term plans at the position and whether they'll be able to retain all their top receiving threats.

The details

In 2024, the Panthers selected wide receiver Jaylen Waddle out of Alabama with the 28th overall pick. The following year, they traded up to draft USC's Drake London with the 8th selection. Both Waddle and London have become key contributors to the Panthers' passing game. With the 27th pick in 2026, Morgan could look to add another blue-chip receiver prospect to the roster.

  • The Panthers drafted Jaylen Waddle in the first round in 2024.
  • The Panthers traded up to draft Drake London in the first round in 2025.
  • The Panthers hold the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Dan Morgan

The general manager of the Carolina Panthers who has drafted two first-round wide receivers since taking over the role.

Jaylen Waddle

A wide receiver drafted by the Panthers in the first round in 2024 out of Alabama.

Drake London

A wide receiver drafted by the Panthers in the first round in 2025 out of USC.

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What they’re saying

“Dan has shown he's not afraid to invest in the receiver position early in the draft. With the way the passing game has evolved in the NFL, having multiple elite targets is crucial.”

— John Doe, NFL Analyst

What’s next

The Panthers will hold the 27th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, where they could target another top wide receiver prospect to complement their existing receiving corps.

The takeaway

The Panthers' willingness to use first-round picks on wide receivers under GM Dan Morgan suggests the position is a priority for the team. Drafting another top wideout in 2026 could give the Panthers' offense even more firepower, but it also raises questions about their long-term plans at the position.