CHARLOTTE The 2026 NFL draft is now just weeks away. Teams are updating their big board every day, welcoming in prospects for visits, and evaluating their current rosters every minute of every day. Only a select few in each building know what a club might do when the first round kicks off on April 23 in Pittsburgh. But between now and then, we will take a look at every position on the field and how some might even impact the Carolina Panthers.
Rd. 1, No. 19 overall
Rd. 2, No. 51 overall
Rd. 3, No. 83 overall
Rd. 4, No. 119 overall
Rd. 5, No. 158 overall (from Minnesota)
Rd. 5, No. 159 overall
Rd. 6, No. 200 overall
Next up is tight end.
Position previews are an aggregation of the opinions and analyses of various draft websites and mock drafts. These are not rankings of a position, but rather a preview of names projected across all three days of the draft. Analysis by the Panthers editorial staff does not reflect the Panthers football staff and front office.
The Panthers have a full tight end room with Tommy Tremble, Ja'Tavion Sanders, and Mitchell Evans. The latter two have both been drafted over the last two years, meaning the core of the group is young and developing.
Tremble led the unit with 27 receptions for 249 yards and two touchdowns. Sanders had 29 receptions for 190 yards (one touchdown), and Evans rounded out the group with 19 receptions for 171 yards but also had two touchdowns. The trio is all dependable blockers.
There is still opportunity for more production in the unit, though, particularly in the pass-catching variety. As the offense becomes more multiple and spreads out, having a really solid pass-catching tight end can open up the field even more.
Eli Stowers Vanderbilt
Considered one of the top tight ends in the class, Stowers brings two solid years of production from Vanderbilt (his first year was spent at New Mexico State). In the 2025 season alone, Stowers pulled in 62 receptions for 769 yards and four touchdowns. He led all tight ends in FBS with an average of 64.1 yards a game, and he was sixth amongst all tight ends with 161 yards coming on deep balls.
Stowers started his career as a quarterback, spending two seasons at Texas A&M as a backup passer.
Kenyon Sadiq Oregon
The star out of Oregon and second-team All-American had 51 receptions for 560 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. He was the Ducks' leader in receptions and touchdowns, proving himself a reliable target in the end zone. He was also a favorite target downfield and finished tied for fifth amongst all tight ends for deep catches (six overall).
Max Klare Ohio State
After starting his career at Purdue, Klare transferred to Ohio State for his final season to prove himself as a pass-catcher at the next level. His 2024 season at Purdue was his best with 51 receptions for 685 yards and four touchdowns. But even amongst the crowded pass-catching options with the Buckeyes, Klare still hauled in 43 receptions for 448 yards and two touchdowns. His 6-5, 243-pound frame makes him exciting for scouts who see a lot of production still to come.
Sam Roush Stanford
Roush comes from a long lineage of athletes, including NFL talent. His grandfather, Phil Olsen, spent nine years in the NFL, and his uncle was Hall of Famer and actor Merlin Olsen. Roush is paving his own way now after four years at Stanford. He is primarily an in-line blocking tight end, at which he excels thanks to his 6-5, 260-pound frame. His 2025 season saw him pull in 49 receptions for 545 yards and two touchdowns.
Justin Joly NC State
Joly was first-team All-ACC in 2025 after leading the Wolfpack with 49 receptions (489 yards) and seven receiving touchdowns. He displays great control at the catch, with only one drop in 2025, and is third amongst all tight ends with nine contested catches. His 2024 season at NC State saw him lead the team with 661 yards (43 receptions and four touchdowns).
