Panthers Select Xavier Legette Replacement in NFL Mock Draft

Panthers Continue the First Round Streak

In Jeremiah’s mock draft 3.0, the Panthers selected KC Concepcion, a wide receiver from Texas A&M. Concepcion was the no. 1 receiver at Texas A&M in 2025, catching 61 passes for 919 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns on the season. Concepcion’s 9 touchdowns were tied for the top 20 in the country, and Concepcon was also top 40 in receiving yards.

This would be the third year in a row that the Panthers drafted a receiver in the first round, of course, drafting Tetairoa McMillan last year and Xavier Legette two years ago. 

Why Drafting Concepcion Doesn’t Make Sense for Carolina

Concepcion would be a great addition to the Panthers’ offense, but drafting a receiver at 19 doesn’t make all the sense in the world for Carolina. The Panthers have Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker already, and just signed Bryce Young’s former Alabama teammate John Metchie III in free agency, so bringing in another receiver on top of that feels unnecessary.

If the Panthers are to draft a skill position, there’s only one position that’s of dire need, and that would be tight end. The only tight end worth taking in the first round of this year's draft is Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq. If Sadiq isn't on the board, then no skill position should be taken. 

If Kenyon Sadiq isn’t on the board, the Panthers should target two positions: offensive line and safety. Although the team has made some offensive line moves this offseason, adding affordable depth is never a bad idea. For safety, the Panthers could benefit from adding a younger player for the future, since Nick Scott is only returning on a one-year deal and is 30 years old.  

The Panthers still have some needs after free agency, but wide receiver isn’t the most pressing of them. Even if Xavier Legette doesn't see the field this season, the Panthers have three capable receivers for Bryce Young to thrive.