Carolina Panthers’ Day 3 NFL Draft live tracker: Who they still need

The Carolina Panthers have drafted three players in this year’s NFL Draft.

Their first-rounder, Monroe Freeling, is someone they hope to be a game-changing offensive tackle. Their second-rounder, Lee Hunter, was a game-changer at Texas Tech. And their third-rounder, Chris Brazzell II, was among the fastest wide receivers in the draft and among head coach Dave Canales’s “favorite” prospects this year.

What does that mean for Day 3, which encompasses Rounds 4-7?

Stay up-to-date on the draft at this live tracker, where Charlotte Observer reporters Alex Zietlow and Mike Kaye will be breaking down all the trades, selections and other Panthers-related happenings in Day 3 of the draft.

Day 3 of the draft begins at noon and runs all day Saturday. Fans can watch it on ABC, NFL Network and ESPN.

How many picks do the Panthers have left in 2026 NFL Draft?

The Panthers enter 2026 with four remaining picks. By virtue of a trade general manager Dan Morgan made in the second round, the team now has an extra sixth-round pick. Here’s a look at the team’s full draft inventory:

• No. 19 (Round 1): Monroe Freeling, Georgia, offensive tackle
• No. 49 (Round 2): Lee Hunter, Texas Tech, defensive tackle
• No. 83 (Round 3): Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee, wide receiver
• No. 119 (Round 4)
• No. 158 (Round 5 — from Vikings)
• No. 196 (Round 6 — from Vikings)
• No. 200 (Round 6)

More on who the Carolina Panthers have already selected

• Read up on what Monroe Freeling can bring to the team as a football player — as well as how he became the man he is.
• Check out how defensive tackle Lee Hunter fits into the defensive line here.
• Chris Brazzell II might just be the speedy receiver the Panthers need.

Remaining needs for the Carolina Panthers

• Tight end
• Safety
• Cornerback
• Center
• Linebacker

This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Carolina Panthers’ Day 3 NFL Draft live tracker: Who they still need."

Mike Kaye

The Charlotte Observer

Mike Kaye writes about the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer. He also co-hosts “Processing Blue: A Panthers Podcast” for The Observer. Kaye’s work in columns/analysis and sports feature writing has been honored by the North Carolina Press Association (NCPA). His reporting has also received recognition from the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE).Kaye previously covered the entire NFL for Pro Football Network, the Philadelphia Eagles for NJ Advance Media and the Jacksonville Jaguars for First Coast News. Support my work with a digital subscription

Alex Zietlow

The Charlotte Observer

Alex Zietlow writes about the Carolina Panthers and the ways in which sports intersect with life for The Charlotte Observer, where he has been a reporter since August 2022. Zietlow’s work has been honored by the Pro Football Writers Association, the N.C. and S.C. Press Associations, as well as the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) group. He’s earned six APSE Top 10 distinctions for his coverage on a variety of topics, from billion-dollar stadium renovations to the small moments of triumph that helped a Panthers kicker defy the steepest odds in sports. Zietlow previously wrote for The Herald in Rock Hill (S.C.) from 2019-22. Support my work with a digital subscription