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On the whole, I thought the Panthers did the best job of any team during the first week of free agency and left with a much stronger roster. The team had two major needs on defense that people thought would be addressed early in the draft: pass rusher and off-ball linebacker. They promptly filled both by signing Jaelan Phillips to a massive four-year, $120 million contract and linebacker Devin Lloyd to a three-year, $45 million contract. Not only did the Panthers fill needs by signing the two players, but the vacancies left by Phillips in Philadelphia and Lloyd in Jacksonville are massive holes that those teams must address. Carolina was not done, as they added offensive tackle Rasheed Walker, the four-year veteran who was previously with the Green Bay Packers, to a one-year deal. Considering the serious knee injury suffered by starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu during the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, an injury that could threaten his 2026 season, it was money well spent on another free agent. Heading towards the draft, the Panthers now have the luxury of looking at other positions. If tight end Kenyon Sadiq happens to fall to the 19 selection of the first round, he has to be a consideration, and they could also target a top cornerback. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-five-nfl-teams-whose-free-agency-moves-changed-their-twenty-twenty-six-draft-plans/

Linebacker The Panthers have selected decent pass-rushing linebackers in recent drafts, but a three-down player at the position is needed. More than a run stuffer, a linebacker who can cover is an offseason goal. Edge Rusher Nic Scourton played incredibly well as a rookie, but another consistent pass rusher to pair him with is needed, as D.J. Wonnum looks set for free agency. Offensive Line Starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu tore his patella tendon during the first quarter of the playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He will be out for a while and may miss all of 2026. Interior blockers Cade Mayes and Austin Corbett are set for free agency. MOCK DRAFT ROUND 1: Cashius Howell/Edge/Texas A&M If CJ Allen falls to this spot, I believe the Panthers would scoop him up, but the Georgia linebacker is getting a lot of love in the scouting community. In Howell, they are getting a system fit that could be a terrific pairing with Scourton. He’s also a pass-rushing linebacker who is effective in space. ROUND 2: Jake Golday/LB/Cincinnati Golday is the three-down linebacker the Panthers’ defense needs, as he’s tough, instinctive, and well-rounded. Dan Morgan will love him ROUND 3: Michael Trigg/TE/Baylor Carolina has solid tight ends but no true playmakers. They seem to have an aversion to throwing the ball to Ja’Tavion Sanders, and he hasn’t developed as expected. Trigg can get downfield and be a large receiver at the tight end position ROUND 4: Brian Parker II /C/Duke The Panthers could use a guard or center, and Parker, who played right tackle for Duke, projects to either.

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