Let’s take a closer look at one of the prospects the Panthers could select in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As the Panthers make a final playoff push of the 2025 season, it’s never too early to look ahead toward the 2026 NFL Draft. This weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2026 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile will focus on Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets quarterback Haynes King.
Bio
King started out his collegiate career at Texas A&M but was unable to really make a name for himself there. He decided to transfer to Georgia Tech and has really blossomed into a true dual threat quarterback for the Jackets. His sophomore campaign saw him put up a combination of numbers only he and Heisman winner Jayden Daniels amassed that year: 2,800+ passing yards, 25+ touchdown passes, 700+ rushing yards, and 10+ rushing touchdowns. Unfortunately for King, that would be the apex of his passing production as he has not since passed for more than 14 touchdowns in a single season. He has repeatedly increased his rushing touchdowns year over year, though, and finished tenth in this year’s Heisman voting. Overall, his production in three seasons has been outstanding, tallying almost 8,000 passing yards, 55 passing touchdowns, 24 interceptions, almost 2,300 rushing yards, 36 rushing touchdowns, and 14 fumbles (five lost).
Strengths/Weaknesses
Despite his complexion, Haynes King is a certified burner at the quarterback position, boasting sub 4.5 speed to run away from even the fastest defenders. His 6’3”, 220 lbs frame has the strength to break attempted tackles of the defenders who can catch him and are often much smaller than he is. The arm talent is also tantalizing, consistently showing off his absolute cannon of an arm even while throwing on the run. His touch on deep passes is also impressive, and he has used his physical gifts in clutch moments time and time again.
The short and intermediate throws, however, have been inconsistent at best for King, especially when under pressure. He needs to shore up his mechanics in order to create some consistency on those throws. He also has the same problem many big armed quarterbacks have: he’s a gunslinger. He trusts his arm a little too much at times, leading to some questionable choices. If teams are considering a position change, he will also need to bulk up to relieve concerns about his durability at the next level.
Projection
Haynes King might not hear his name called at all in the 2026 NFL Draft. At best, he seems to be a late Day 3 to priority UDFA type of player at the moment. Things can change drastically if he participates in the combine and shows off his athleticism and arm strength. Scouts might swoon over him at that point, potentially vaulting him into the early parts of Day 3. His projection also depends a lot on if he’d be willing to switch positions or if he wants to stick at quarterback full time. Teams will likely ask him to work out with running backs, tight ends, and potentially even defensive backs at his pro day to see if his athleticism can find its way on the field somehow.
The Panthers likely don’t have their franchise quarterback, but it is looking more and more likely that Bryce Young will get at least one more season. Canales and Morgan could see a diamond in the rough with King as a developmental quarterback who would allow them to move on from Bryce in a year or two. Or they could see King as a potential Taysom Hill type of player. If King can block and catch well enough, he could definitely improve the Panthers’ tight end room in terms of overall athleticism and provide those gadget plays that have haunted the Panthers for years within their own division.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If Haynes King is available when the Panthers select in the 2026 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!
Category: General Sports
