Fresh off their first division title in 10 seasons, the Carolina Panthers look toward the future with hope. Although they lost a close playoff game to the Los Angeles Rams, the team appears poised to continue its upward trend. Let’s look at what the franchise could do in the 2026 NFL Draft using PFSN’s Mock Draft Simulator.
Round 1, Pick 19: Matayo Uiagalelei, Edge, Oregon
While it may seem like a reach, Uiagalelei presents a different type of skill set that many of his fellow rushers lack at this point in the draft. Despite his size (6’5″, 272 pounds), the former Duck presents an excellent first step and the ability to flip his hips and cover in short areas, making him a three-down player.
Moreover, when he does rush, the depth of his repertoire begins with a lightning-quick jab step, which flows into a bull rush that requires refinement. The Panthers did not rush the passer well. Rookie rusher Nic Scourton tied for the team lead in sacks with 5. Additionally, he was the highest-rated Carolina edge defender in PFSN’s NFL Edge Impact Metric.
Round 2, Pick 51: Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Tre’von Moehrig menaced opposing offenses with his ability to make plays. With 103 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 interception, he excelled. While teammate Nick Scott played admirably, opponents torched him for 3 touchdowns and a QB rating of 117. McNeil-Warren shines in multiple aspects of playing safety.
First, he easily slides into the slot, with the ability to stay with backs, tight ends, and wideouts alike. Next, at six-foot-two, McNeil-Warren does not sacrifice length in coverage. Most importantly, the former Rockets standout displays an aptitude for creating turnovers with a sharp punchout that forced nine fumbles.
Round 3, Pick 83: Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M
The team can void veteran Taylor Moton’s contract in two seasons, according to Spotrac. By the time he moves over, Crownover could be ready to slide in and start at right tackle. At TAMU, he played in a run-dominant offense with a quarterback who loved the deep ball. He will anchor well on the right side, giving quarterback Bryce Young a bookend to match Ikem Ekwonu, who operates on Carolina’s left side.
Round 4, Pick 119: Devin Moore, CB, Florida
With the emergence of cornerback Mike Jackson, the depth in the cornerback room looks thin. In the fourth round, Carolina can mix depth pieces with players that would eventually start. Moore is an angular corner with good strength and cover skills. Despite his size (6’3″, 210 pounds), he does stay hip-to-hip with wideouts. Not to mention, he loves tackling with force and aggression.
Round 6, Pick 159: Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston
Tommy Tremble is a functional tight end who looks like a solid No. 2 option. Koziol is a massive target (6’7″, 240 pounds) who runs well. Shaking off arm tackles and finding the seam, along with strong hands, could make him a valued target on third down. The lone hiccup is Koziol’s blocking technique. His frame and pad level do not lower to meet the contact. Instead, he needs to sink his hips and push forward.
Round 6, Pick 163: Gracen Halton, DL, Oklahoma
While he will not start, Halton’s athletic presence presents an opportunity for Carolina. With his explosion off the snap, sliding him next to Derrick Brown on passing down would help the interior push. Four down linemen require a twitchy three-technique to force the passer wide.
Round 7, Pick 197: Bryce Foster, C, Kansas
Starter Austin Corbett saw his season cut short for the third time in his career. Additionally, the team can void his contract. Meanwhile, Cade Mays, his replacement, is a free agent. If the Panthers decide to re-sign Mays and void Corbett, the need for a backup center becomes important.
Furthermore, Foster excels with movement. Additionally, his prowess as a shot-put standout lends his arms and shoulders extra force and power when engaging in blocking.
