Top 5 draft targets for positions of need

[firefox1234]

I could easily see BPA being OL or DL at #19. I’m biased towards improving the line of scrimmage.

[Navy_football]

40 minutes ago, firefox1234 said:

I could easily see BPA being OL or DL at #19. I’m biased towards improving the line of scrimmage.

OL, DL, pass rush or off-ball linebacker. No 1st round offensive weapons in this draft. I'm a BPA guy, but that dog won't hunt when the oline or dline is getting manhandled after one injury. So, everything EXCEPT the #1 target from this list. 

[MHS831]

30 minutes ago, Navy_football said:

OL, DL, pass rush or off-ball linebacker. No 1st round offensive weapons in this draft. I'm a BPA guy, but that dog won't hunt when the oline or dline is getting manhandled after one injury. So, everything EXCEPT the #1 target from this list. 

Explain your thinking on DL---I am interested in hearing more opinions about it.

 

Had a dream that we signed Cooper Kupp to a 1-year deal.  I know.  My therapist told me.

[Navy_football]

1 hour ago, MHS831 said:

Explain your thinking on DL---I am interested in hearing more opinions about it.

 

Had a dream that we signed Cooper Kupp to a 1-year deal.  I know.  My therapist told me.

A'Shawn Robinson is a prime candidate for cap cut. I think he's a good player but his production could be replaced early in the draft. I don't believe in Wharton and B. Brown is a NT. 

[PanthersNCSU]

1. Find a way to get to the QB with 4

2. Build the OL for now and the future

That's the only 2 goals I care about currently with high draft capital. Fill the other spots in FA. 

[Joe Bear]

6 hours ago, firefox1234 said:

I could easily see BPA being OL or DL at #19. I’m biased towards improving the line of scrimmage.

As long as it's not another WR or TE.

[heel31ok]

On 2/19/2026 at 1:25 PM, XClown1986 said:

I hope not. Needs change year to year. 

If we get to the 3rd round and there is a wide receiver we had graded in the 2nd, but our "need positions" are graded as 4th round or lower, I would really hope we draft the receiver. The fan base may flip out, but the goal is to bring in the best players and look out for the long term success of the team. 

We need wr.

[XClown1986]

4 hours ago, heel31ok said:

We need wr.

It was an example. The point remains. Regardless of position, if the player's value is clearly higher than other positions of need, you take the best player.

[pantherclaw]

On 1/26/2026 at 8:30 AM, NAS said:

JT Sanders has been such a disappointment.  I really thought he'd be good after his promising start to the rookie season. 

Not sure why expectations were so high of him. 

He is talented.   He is capable.   I knew he wouldn't come in here and become a starter without injury. 

Players need development.  

[Panthero]

You dont draft guards, centers, safeties, ILB or tight ends in the first round unless they are sure fire HOF types, like Quenton Nelson.

The cost for top flight OT, DT, DE/OLB, QB, WR, and CB are so much higher relative to those others, its almost always the wrong move to draft any that arent those five. There are also always more of the first group available in free agency with CB and WR sometimes available because there are so many (raw numbers) drafted. Play the odds folks. 

[Basbear]

28 minutes ago, Panthero said:

You dont draft guards, centers, safeties, ILB or tight ends in the first round unless they are sure fire HOF types, like Quenton Nelson.

The cost for top flight OT, DT, DE/OLB, QB, WR, and CB are so much higher relative to those others, its almost always the wrong move to draft any that arent those five. There are also always more of the first group available in free agency with CB and WR sometimes available because there are so many (raw numbers) drafted. Play the odds folks. 

Watch out now...... I agree but many others disagree with this line of thinking. 

I seen a recent summary too- Which would you rather have the best safety or the 8th best edge? Best safety maybe kyle hamilton, the 8th best edge is Maxx Crosby. Id take maxx even with Myles or TJ on the roster. Plus if you don't like Maxx as 8th best, Id take whoever the 8th best edge is over the Kyle. 

Panthers need a starter level edge, the only realistic shot is using the 1st rounder. But if somehow a stud LT pulls out a gas mask and falls to 19, draft them if much higher ranked. 

The funny deal is those teams drafting in the late portion of drafts don't need edge, QB, WR, or OT..... I wonder why?!??? hmmmmmmm.... plus it pays off for them, cause they do need OG, ILB, TE, safety..... and now they get a top level player to remain great....

[Panthero]

57 minutes ago, Basbear said:

Watch out now...... I agree but many others disagree with this line of thinking. 

I seen a recent summary too- Which would you rather have the best safety or the 8th best edge? Best safety maybe kyle hamilton, the 8th best edge is Maxx Crosby. Id take maxx even with Myles or TJ on the roster. Plus if you don't like Maxx as 8th best, Id take whoever the 8th best edge is over the Kyle. 

Panthers need a starter level edge, the only realistic shot is using the 1st rounder. But if somehow a stud LT pulls out a gas mask and falls to 19, draft them if much higher ranked. 

The funny deal is those teams drafting in the late portion of drafts don't need edge, QB, WR, or OT..... I wonder why?!??? hmmmmmmm.... plus it pays off for them, cause they do need OG, ILB, TE, safety..... and now they get a top level player to remain great....

Great point. The trends I mentioned are reinforced by the very teams that think the same way in terms of which positions are premiums (mostly teams that are very good too). How many super bowl teams have a remmers at OT? How many of the perennial playoff contenders? 

Edited 2 hours ago by Panthero

[MrBubba]

Sonny Styles no matter what

[heel31ok]

5 hours ago, XClown1986 said:

It was an example. The point remains. Regardless of position, if the player's value is clearly higher than other positions of need, you take the best player.

An example of what we need in bpa.But to your point if the room is full the value isnt the same.Need creates value.