In retrospect, it seems that the beat reporters and many of the NFL draft analysts all had it wrong. Only ESPN's Dan Graziano nailed the Carolina Panthers' plans going into the first round, naming them among the teams that were looking to take an offensive lineman on the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft.

And they did, as the Panthers grabbed their potential franchise left tackle of the future in Monroe Freeling with this year's 19th overall selection.

Now, they have to address the more immediate needs that will help them defend their NFC South title. But who will they take when they're on the clock tonight?

Let's round up some fresh Day 2 mock drafts to gauge the field . . .

Take: The Panthers should consider finding an upgrade in the slot over Chau Smith-Wade. Ponds doesn't exactly have prototypical NFL size at 5-9, 182 pounds, but he was hyper productive across three seasons at James Madison and Indiana, generating 169 tackles, seven interceptions and 33 pass defenses.

Take: The Panthers could use a safety upgrade next to Tre'von Moehrig. Haulcy is a hard-hitting safety who also has shown ballhawk skills across his time at Houston and LSU. He generated 162 tackles and eight interceptions across his final two college seasons (2024 at Houston, 2025 with LSU) and has pro-ready size at 6-0, 215 pounds.

Take: The Panthers have drafted highly athletic developmental guys at tight end in the past but haven't hit on one yet. Stowers is in a similar mold with 4.51 speed and record-setting jumps of 45½ inches (vertical) and 11 feet, 3 inches (broad) at the combine, but his production (nine TDs the past two seasons) stands out.

Take: An absolute burner who didn’t get much attention because of his decision to stay at a small school, Hurst could be extremely dynamic for Bryce Young and the Panthers aligned opposite Tetairoa McMillan.

Take: After a year at South Carolina, the ex-NC State cornerback is off to the NFL. He is a high-level athlete with a lot of versatility in this scheme.

Take: The Panthers made a bit of a surprise choice when they took Monroe Freeling in the first round, and it seems like finding another weapon for Bryce Young is high on the team’s agenda. Stowers’ 85.3 PFF receiving grade would be welcome in a room that slotted 31st in the metric a year ago.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers mock draft roundup: Projections for Day 2 of the 2026 draft