The Panthers are set to receive significant upgrades to their roster this weekend, as Carolina gears up for the upcoming NFL Draft, . With the draft just one day away, The Observer has taken a look into the future and made predictions on what the Panthers will do during the three-day event. Below is a mock draft featuring only the Panthers’ selections over seven rounds.
The Panthers trade their eighth and 57th overall picks to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for the 13th, 48th, and 98th overall picks, along with a third-round pick in the 2026 draft. This move allows Miami to select from the second-best cornerback, second-best offensive tackle, and running back Ashton Jeanty.
The trade market for potential moves up in the draft appears to be more challenging than in previous years, so if the Panthers wish to move out of the No. 8 spot, they’ll need to get creative. This deal should be attractive to the Dolphins, as they can still select in the second round and only have to give up two third-round picks (one in 2026) to move up and secure their target player. The Panthers benefit by narrowing the gap between their first- and second-round selections, while also adding a Day 2 pick this year and next. As a result, the Panthers would have 10 picks this weekend and increase their total to eight for 2026.
First round, 13th overall (via Miami): Donovan Ezeiruaku, OLB, Boston College
Some may view this pick as a stretch, but given the trade compensation that comes with bringing Ezeiruaku to Carolina, it actually represents a solid move for the Panthers. In the end, it seems like the Panthers would be open to trading back, and this situation could be a perfect opportunity. Ezeiruaku was a dominant force on the edge in college. While he’s slightly lighter for his position at 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds, the pass rusher recorded 16.5 sacks in his final college season. He also impressed with a 6.94-second 3-cone drill at the NFL Scouting Combine, placing him in elite company among pass rushers. Some may question his breakout season, labeling him a “one-year wonder,” but he had already earned 13.5 sacks over his first three seasons at Boston College. In fact, his first three years at BC, excluding his 16.5 sacks in 2024, saw him outproduce Shemar Stewart’s total of 4.5 sacks over three years at Texas A&M. At just 21, Ezeiruaku has plenty of room for growth, both in his skills and his physique. He has drawn comparisons to former Pro Bowl pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue, but this writer is reminded more of former Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril when watching him. Avril, another Pro Bowl pass rusher, worked with Panthers general manager Dan Morgan and coach Dave Canales during their time with the Seahawks.
Second round, 48th overall (via Miami): Carson Schwesinger, ILB, UCLA
There’s a good chance that Schwesinger won’t fall this far, but once the draft gets past the top 30 picks, it often becomes unpredictable. Schwesinger is a versatile inside linebacker with impressive athleticism. He’s strong in all areas—tackling, running, and especially coverage. As one of the top coverage linebackers in this draft class, his skill set could be very appealing to Morgan and the Panthers’ staff.
Schwesinger could drop in the draft due to his limited experience as a one-year starter at UCLA. After redshirting as a freshman, he mostly played on special teams during his sophomore and junior years. However, as a senior, he led the FBS with 90 solo tackles, along with four sacks, two interceptions, and three pass breakups. If the Panthers are looking for a long-term upgrade at inside linebacker, Schwesinger could be the answer, even if he doesn’t immediately start over Trevin Wallace and Josey Jewell.
Third round, 74th overall: Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
Williams, standing at 5-11 and 190 pounds, has gained attention as a rising prospect in the draft community. However, with how the draft unfolds, the Panthers secure him on Day 2. Williams would add much-needed speed and agility to Carolina’s wide receiver corps. The 22-year-old playmaker primarily lined up on the outside for the Cougars and was highly productive.
In two seasons at Washington State, Williams hauled in 131 passes for 2,040 yards and 20 touchdowns. He averaged an impressive 17.1 yards per catch, with 70 receptions last season alone. In summary, Williams would be a fantastic long-term complement to Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker.
Third round, 98th overall (via Miami): Nohl Williams, CB, California
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero prefers tall, lengthy cornerbacks who are strong in zone coverage—and Williams fits that profile perfectly.
The 6-foot, 199-pound cornerback was a turnover machine during his college career, recording nine interceptions in just two years with the Bears. While he might not be ideal for the slot, he would be a solid backup behind Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson at outside cornerback. He could also eventually succeed Jackson in the future. The trade with Miami ultimately helps strengthen this key position ahead of Day 3.
Fourth round, 111th overall: Billy Bowman, S, Oklahoma
The Panthers lack depth at safety and should look to draft at least one potential starter at the position. While Julian Blackmon and Marcus Williams are still available in free agency, the Panthers need a safety group capable of utilizing a big nickel in their Cover 3-heavy secondary. With Tre’von Moehrig potentially taking on the dime linebacker or big nickel safety role, the team will need two solid safeties to patrol the deep field. This is where Bowman comes in—he’s a talented ballhawk. The 5-10, 192-pound defensive back registered 11 interceptions over his final three seasons at Oklahoma.
Bowman could take on single-high responsibilities when Moehrig moves into the box. He would also serve as a deep-field complement to Williams or Blackmon, should either be signed after the draft. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Panthers also use Bowman in the nickel position.
Fourth round, 114th overall (via Dallas): Jonas Sanker, S, Virginia
A fourth-round double dip at safety seems like a wise move. The Panthers are entering the draft with only three safeties under contract, and while the team has confidence in Nick Scott and Demani Richardson, both will face significant competition this summer.
Sanker can step in and compete with Richardson and Bowman for playing time. He brings solid size (6-0, 206 lbs.) and speed (4.48-second 40-yard dash) to the position. He can also serve as a special teams replacement at gunner for the recently departed Sam Franklin, who signed with Denver this month. While Sanker isn’t the ballhawk that Bowman is, he’s still been productive, recording 17 pass breakups over the past three years. Additionally, he has two interceptions, four forced fumbles, and a blocked field goal on his resume.
Fifth round, 140th overall (via New York Giants): Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
The Panthers are still in need of running back depth. Despite signing Rico Dowdle in free agency, Carolina could use additional support behind Chuba Hubbard, especially with Jonathon Brooks out following his second ACL surgery. Neal rushed for 4,343 yards and 49 touchdowns over his four-year career with the Jayhawks. He also added 77 receptions for 711 yards and four touchdowns during that period.
Neal fits the consistent style of Hubbard and Dowdle as a reliable, between-the-tackles runner with good receiving skills. Canales mentioned last month that he values having a rotation of players who offer steady performance. Neal has the potential to be a long-term No. 2 RB if Dowdle leaves in 2026 or if Brooks struggles to return from another major surgery.
Fifth round, 146th overall: Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame
It may be a bit late for a tight end selection, but this writer anticipates the Panthers will address the position at some point this weekend. Evans offers excellent size (6-5, 258 lbs.) for the role and has a solid college production record.
Although Evans suffered a torn ACL during his junior year, he made a successful recovery and returned for his senior season, recording 43 catches for 421 yards and three touchdowns. Despite the knee injury, he played all 16 games (with 11 starts) last year. Evans has proven himself as a reliable receiver and a strong blocker in the run game. He meets Canales’ versatility requirements for the position, even though his injury history raises some concerns. He likely fell this far due to those injury red flags, but at this stage in the draft, those risks are worth taking.
Fifth round, 163rd overall (via Baltimore): Hollin Pierce, OT, Rutgers
It’s a bit of a hunch, but it seems the Panthers are keeping their options open at offensive tackle for a reason. While they might not prioritize the position early in the draft, it wouldn’t be surprising if they bring in a potential project with upside this offseason. The Panthers still need to decide on left tackle Ikem Ekwonu’s fifth-year option and plan to play Taylor Moton in the final year of his contract. There’s a scenario where one or both starting tackles might not be back in 2026. While it’s unlikely both will leave, the possibility of one departing seems realistic, making it smart to develop a young tackle behind them.
Pierce wouldn’t need to play in 2025 unless injuries strike again, as the team has Brady Christensen and Yosh Nijman as insurance for the tackle spots. However, with the guidance of offensive tackle coach Joe Gilbert and run-game coordinator Harold Goodwin, Hollins could develop behind the scenes. Pierce is a massive presence on the line at 6-8 and 341 pounds. He’s played both left and right tackle in college, starting 26 games on the left side and 24 on the right. Even if the Panthers extend both Ekwonu and Moton beyond this season, Pierce could be a valuable (and cost-effective) swing tackle for years to come.
Seventh round, 230th overall (via Arizona): Andres Borregales, K, Miami
The Panthers are in need of a kicker, and Borregales was one of the top performers in college football over the past two seasons. He possesses a powerful leg and impressive accuracy on deep field goals.
Over the past two seasons, Borregales successfully made six of his eight attempts from beyond 50 yards, with a long of 56 yards last season. He also expressed his desire to play for Carolina during the NFL Scouting Combine in February. Additionally, Borregales worked with Panthers special teams assistant coach Daren Bates at the Shrine Bowl in January, creating a connection there as well.