Panthers Can Hold Serve and Fill Major Defensive Need in First Round

Carolina should resist trade temptation and address safety position with top prospect

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:57pm by

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting an NFL safety making a tackle, with sharp planes of color and overlapping perspectives conveying the intensity of the play.A cubist interpretation of a safety making a hard-hitting tackle, reflecting the Panthers' need to upgrade their defensive backfield.Eugene Today

The Carolina Panthers made significant strides on defense in 2025, but still have a need at the safety position. With the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Panthers have the opportunity to select one of the top safety prospects, such as Dillon Thieneman from Oregon or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren from Toledo. While trading down and acquiring additional picks is tempting, the Panthers would be wise to use the 19th pick to fill their defensive backfield need.

Why it matters

The Panthers' defense improved in 2025 but still had issues in the secondary, particularly at safety. Upgrading the safety position could help the Panthers take the next step and solidify their defense as one of the best in the NFC. Passing on a top safety prospect to acquire more draft capital may be short-sighted, as the Panthers need immediate impact players to complement their rising offense.

The details

The Panthers allowed the most total yards, rushing yards, touchdown passes, and points in the league in 2024, but made significant strides on defense in 2025. Safety was still a position of need, with starters Nick Scott and Tre'von Moehrig ranking 55th and 54th respectively in Pro Football Focus' 2025 safety rankings. The 2026 draft class is loaded with top safety prospects, including Caleb Downs, Dillon Thieneman, and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.

  • The Panthers won the NFC South for the first time since 2015 in the 2025 season.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place in April.

The players

Dillon Thieneman

A defensive back from the University of Oregon who is considered one of the top safety prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

A safety from the University of Toledo who is ranked as the third-best safety prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft by Pro Football Focus.

Nick Scott

The Panthers' starting safety who ranked second on the team with 109 defensive stops in 2025.

Tre'von Moehrig

The Panthers' other starting safety who totaled 103 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception, and 2 pass deflections in 2025.

Lathan Ransom

A rookie safety for the Panthers in 2025 who was ranked 67th among safeties by Pro Football Focus.

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What they’re saying

“After losing both C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship in recent years, the Eagles are devoid at safety. Thieneman has a strong case as the top safety in this class after Downs and would be a nice fit alongside third-year corners Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell...”

— Matt Verderame, Sports Illustrated writer

What’s next

The Panthers will have the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and will need to decide whether to use that selection on a top safety prospect or trade down to acquire additional picks.

The takeaway

The Panthers have a clear need at safety and should use their first-round pick to address that position, rather than trading down. Selecting a top safety prospect like Dillon Thieneman or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren would provide an immediate impact on their defense and help the Panthers continue their upward trajectory.