NFL Draft 2026: Tracking draft picks for the Panthers, college players in NC

Still looking to capitalize on their 2025 playoff appearance, Panthers owner Dan Morgan traded down twice on Saturday before he eventually selected Texas A&M cornerback Will Lee III late in the fourth round.

Those moves allowed Carolina to pick up two extra late-round picks.

The Panthers closed out the draft by checking off a few areas of need, adding Kansas State center Sam Hecht and Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley in the fifth round. Morgan, who played linebacker at Miami before being drafted by Carolina, closed out the draft by taking Hurricanes linebacker Jackson Kuwatch in the seventh round.

Morgan said the players drafted in later rounds will likely need to carve out a niche on special teams to make the 53-man roster.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

Another Blue Devil is headed to the next level!

In the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Duke offensive lineman Brian Parker II was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Parker II was the 189th overall pick in the draft, and the eighth selection in the sixth round.

Duke cornerback Chandler Rivers was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round.

Pick No. 152: The Broncos are adding to their offense, selecting NC State tight end Justin Joly.

Denver traded up to make the pick, acquiring No. 152 from the Browns in exchange for 2026 fifthround (No. 170) and sixthround (No. 182) selections.

Joly was a two-year starter for the Wolfpack and led NC State in 2025 with 49 receptions and seven touchdown catches, earning first-team All-ACC honors. The 6-foot-3, 241-pound tight end began his college career at UConn, where he appeared in 24 games with 10 starts over two seasons.