New Panthers NFL Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Pick

It has to be refreshing for the Carolina Panthers not to be picking so high. That is a testament to their progress over the past two seasons.

They are in a solid position to take the best player available, as the roster still needs plenty of talent on both sides of the ball to compete with the NFC's best.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Panthers will do with the No. 19 pick:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (4/15)

Selection (No. 19): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

The Carolina Panthers already invested quite a lot in the wide receiver position, yet the group is still not completely settled.

Tetairoa McMillan proved to be an excellent choice with last year's eighth overall pick. The same can't be said of Xavier Legette, who the organization chose in the first round of the 2024 class. Besides, the Panthers really need to add some explosiveness and hope a dynamic threat can help in Bryce Young's continued development.

"KC Concepcion is one of the class' best pure playmakers," B/R scout Damian Parson said. "He is dangerous and elusive in the open field after the catch. Concepcion can be the missing piece for Young and the Carolina's passing offense. His yards-after-catch creation and speed are what the reigning NFC South champs desperately need."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

Selection (No. 19): S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selection (No. 19): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selection (No. 19): G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selection (No. 14) Projected Trade with Baltimore: Edge Akheem Mesidor, Miami

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selection (No. 19): WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (4/15)

Selection (No. 19): S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selection (No. 19): DT Caleb Banks, Florida

Summary

Carolina will have to decide which prospect will either help elevate Bryce Young or upgrade the defense. A strong case can be made for both. It comes down to how the player will fit into the strong culture that head coach Dave Canales continues to build.