Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman feels like the odds-on favorite to become the first-round pick of the Carolina Panthers. The 2025 first-team All-American could make a huge splash in the back of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's unit, and turn one of the roster's biggest weaknesses into one of their greatest strengths.

But there's no guarantee that Thieneman will even be on the board when the 19th overall pick comes around on Thursday night.

NFL draft insider Todd McShay, as part of the most recent episode of his podcast, casts some doubt on his availability:

"I hear Carolina has got a lot of love for Dillon Thieneman," McShay states. "But is he getting to 19?”

Thieneman has also been regularly linked to the Minnesota Vikings, who sit right in front of the Panthers at the 18th overall spot. The Dallas Cowboys (No. 12) and the New York Jets (No. 16) have also been floated as possible landing spots for the standout defender.

So for Carolina to get "their guy," or at least one of them, Thieneman may have to hit a somewhat unexpected slide later this week.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: NFL Draft: Insider casts doubt on a Panthers-Dillon Thieneman union