2026 NFL Combine Thread: 2.26.26 - 3.1.26

[Jon Snow]

9 minutes ago, flagfootballcoach28 said:

I wouldn’t complain if we drafted Dillon Thieneman at #19 and finally fix the FS black hole we’ve had for so long. He’s a natural cover 3 FS. 

I was thinking the same thing. 

[firefox1234]

44 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

dumb question but I don't know the answer:  What is an "informal meeting" (aside from what it means literally) and what makes it different from "formal meeting?"  I don't know how to ask the question--but I guess I am wondering why an informal meeting is news, or if they were really interested, why not a formal meeting?  

 

My take is that a formal meeting is something scheduled and probably recorded but an informal meeting isn’t.

[firefox1234]

33 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

At the 2026 NFL Combine, the Carolina Panthers, led by GM Dan Morgan, are evaluating a deep draft class with a 600-player board, specifically targeting defensive upgrades and offensive playmakers

. Key reported formal interviews include LB Sonny Styles (Ohio State) and DE Keldric Faulk (Auburn), while also considering safety Caleb Downs and WR KC Concepcion. 

AI Reported 2026 Combine Meetings/Visits:

• LB Sonny Styles (Ohio State): Confirmed formal interview with the Panthers.
• DE Keldric Faulk (Auburn): Confirmed formal interview with the Panthers.
• S Caleb Downs (Ohio State): Linked as a high-priority target for defensive improvement.
• WR KC Concepcion (NC State): Expressed interest in joining the organization, with the team highly aware of him, according to Carolina Panthers. 

Draft Focus and Strategy:

• Defensive Focus: The team is searching for defensive upgrades, particularly a long-term answer at linebacker to continue the legacy of Sam Mills and Luke Kuechly.
• Draft Board Depth: The Panthers entered the combine with 600 prospects on their board, as stated by GM Dan Morgan.
• Offensive Needs: Despite having the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year in Tetairoa McMillan, they are exploring receivers to boost the passing game. 

Faulk gets a lot of high marks for being a fantastic culture guy and has great measurements but his production leaves a lot to be desired. Not my top pick for the DLine but I would not hate it.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

35 minutes ago, flagfootballcoach28 said:

I wouldn’t complain if we drafted Dillon Thieneman at #19 and finally fix the FS black hole we’ve had for so long. He’s a natural cover 3 FS. 

 

25 minutes ago, Jon Snow said:

I was thinking the same thing. 

For me it would be like getting underwear at Christmas.  Sure you probably need it and it will be extremely useful but there is no wow factor.

Definitely not arguing with you.  Just my .02

[firefox1234]

 

 

 

 

[firefox1234]

 

[firefox1234]

 

[firefox1234]

 

[strato]

Just to update the summary posted back there, as of…. yesterday (?) Morgan said the 600 on the board were culled to 200. 
 

He said it usually distills further, like 130-150 players. As per my shitty memory. The 200 figure is solid. 

[LinvilleGorge]

Bud Clark is testing really well. That's not good. His mid-round projection was largely based on people expecting him to test out as a mediocre NFL athlete.

[firefox1234]

 

[flagfootballcoach28]

26 minutes ago, Pejorative Miscreant said:

 

For me it would be like getting underwear at Christmas.  Sure you probably need it and it will be extremely useful but there is no wow factor.

Definitely not arguing with you.  Just my .02

When you take the process oriented approach, you rarely get the wow factor. I still see this team 2-3 years away from a legit SB contender. The goal is to slowly but surely build the roster with great players that you know will be impactful. Give me a clean prospect like Thieneman over a guy like Faulk who has the measurables but lacks production. I use Faulk as an example since we met with him. Faulk scares the hell out of me. Not a fan. Calculated risks that might give you the “wow factor” are necessary at times, but not in the 1st round imo. Esp not for the Panthers. 

[firefox1234]

 

[TheSpecialJuan]

2 minutes ago, firefox1234 said:

 

Vernon Davis type of performance