The Carolina Panthers are heading into this year’s NFL Draft with a mix of excitement, anticipation, and a real opportunity to build on recent success. After a 2025 class that exceeded expectations and helped the team capture the NFC South, fans are buzzing about what general manager Dan Morgan will do next. Every pick carries weight—not just for the immediate season, but for shaping the future of the franchise. With quarterback Bryce Young showing flashes of superstar potential and the defense hungry to reclaim its former dominance, this draft could very well determine whether Carolina becomes a contender or remains chasing its breakthrough.
The Panthers’ 2025 draft class delivered big returns, and if Morgan can replicate that formula this year, head coach Dave Canales’ squad could be poised for another high-flying campaign. Last season’s selections not only helped Carolina reach the postseason but also gave fans hope that the team is building something sustainable—a mix of youthful talent and NFL-ready contributors. Yet, while progress has been made, there are still gaps to address, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, where consistency and playmaking have often been elusive.
Financial flexibility also plays a role this year, as Morgan balances roster upgrades with salary-cap strategy. In this landscape, finding the right college talent becomes even more critical. Every decision—especially in the first two rounds—has ripple effects on the team’s ability to compete immediately and set up long-term success.
With seven picks in hand, Morgan has options, and the Panthers have made no secret about needing a stronger pass rush. Cody Williams of FanSided recently highlighted this point in his three-round mock draft, suggesting Carolina’s top priority should be an edge rusher who can consistently generate pressure and change the dynamic of opposing offenses.
Williams recommended that the Panthers select Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell with the No. 19 pick. Howell would reunite with former college teammate Nic Scourton, who was drafted in the second round last year and showed immense promise as a rookie. While Howell might need time to refine his run-defense skills, his ability to collapse the pocket and create chaos is exactly the type of weapon Carolina has been missing.
“This group has some nice pieces, but I’d love to see them get more explosive and dangerous off the edge. Cashius Howell is perfect for that. He shouldn’t be relied upon in run defense right away in his NFL career, but he can pin his ears back and generate pressure with the best of them, which is what Carolina should be eyeing.”
—Cody Williams, FanSided
In the second round, Williams addressed another key need: linebacker depth. He mocked Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday to Carolina, a move that could help fill a void ever since Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly retired. Strengthening the linebacker corps is a top priority for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, as consistent play at the second level has been a missing piece in Carolina’s defensive puzzle. Adding Golday would not only improve run defense but also give the team a versatile option in pass coverage and blitz situations.
Rounding out the three-round mock, Williams suggested adding Miami wide receiver C.J. Daniels to the roster. Daniels, a sixth-year senior, enjoyed a productive 2025 campaign after transferring to the Hurricanes, totaling over 500 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. While his age might be a slight consideration, his experience and immediate ability to contribute could provide Bryce Young with another reliable target, adding depth and playmaking potential to Carolina’s offense.
Overall, this hypothetical three-round haul addresses several of the Panthers’ pressing needs. While Morgan doesn’t draft strictly by necessity, the first two selections in this scenario tackle glaring roster gaps, and Daniels could inject some fresh energy into the receiving corps. Of course, draft day is full of surprises, and much can change before the official picks are made.
Regardless of the specifics, the Panthers are confident that Morgan has the vision and track record to keep the franchise trending upward. From there, it’s up to Canales and his coaching staff to maximize talent on the field and turn draft-day decisions into wins. With the right combination of strategy, scouting, and execution, Carolina fans have plenty to be excited about heading into this draft and beyond.