Miller's 2026 Mock Draft Reveals Offensive Focus for Panthers

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches in Pittsburgh, Matt Miller has released a new seven-round mock draft, offering projections for the Carolina Panthers. A notable trend in Miller's predictions is the allocation of three of the team's seven selections toward offensive players.

While the Panthers may still face questions regarding their left tackle position, Miller's choices suggest a strategic focus on bolstering the interior offensive line and skill positions for Dave Canales's squad.

Surprise Selection 1: Offensive Line Reinforcement

Miller projects the Panthers to select offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane, despite the team having two highly paid guards in Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt. Miller points to the future need, as Lewis and Hunt will be entering their age-29 and age-30 seasons, respectively.

Furthermore, the team faces an immediate gap at center after losing Cade Mays in free agency and signing only Luke Fortner to a one-year deal. Ioane’s versatility, having played left guard, center, and right guard in college, makes him an ideal candidate.

"Ioane played left guard, center and right guard in college and has the power to be an effective run blocker at any position," Miller stated. Ioane reportedly improved his movement and conditioning in 2025, causing his stock to rise significantly. Miller suggests Carolina could rebuild its offensive line foundation around Ioane and left tackle Ikem Ekwonu.

Surprise Selection 2: Running Back Depth in Round Four

In the fourth round, Miller makes another unexpected choice by selecting running back Le'Veon Moss. This selection comes even though the Panthers' current backfield features Chuba Hubbard, Trevor Etienne, AJ Dillon, and Jonathon Brooks.

Moss, who accumulated 2,003 total yards and 22 touchdowns over four seasons at Texas A&M, is noted for his ability to gain yards after contact. Miller cites analyst Lance Zeirlein, who praised Moss's "good finishing strength" despite consecutive injury concerns.

Zeirlein compares the 5'11", 203-pound Moss to Eagles running back Tank Bigsby. This pick adds a physical runner to a group that recently lost Rick Dowdle in free agency.

Surprise Selection 3: Wide Receiver with Specific Traits

The third surprising offensive selection targets the wide receiver room with Georgia's Dillon Bell. This is notable given the Panthers already possess a young and deep receiving corps.

The current group includes 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan, emerging talent Jalen Coker, Xavier Legette, veteran David Moore, Jimmy Horn Jr., and free-agent addition John Metchie III.

Miller highlights Bell's strengths: "Bell is top-notch with the ball in his hands on reverses, jet-sweeps and quick hitches. He has the ability to create chunk runs after breaking tackles." However, Bell's profile notes a lack of well-rounded qualities, suggesting he could compete for a WR5 role based on his manufactured touches and kick-return potential.

Conclusion on Miller's Projections

Attempting any NFL mock draft is inherently challenging, and only time will reveal the accuracy of Miller's predictions, which were made 23 days before the 2026 draft in Glendale, AZ.

Regardless of the final outcome, these three specific offensive selections provide interesting talking points regarding General Manager Dan Morgan's potential strategy for the team's future.