2026 Mock Drafts

[BritishPanther]

Need to research O-Line candidates more but wouldn't hate this draft too much.

[amcoolio]

Its Styles, Reese, Hill Jr., or CJ Allen for me - I know we badly need offensive line but we cannot draft offense this many years in a row. The defense needs a stud. Hopefully several teams reach for QB's and allow the LBs to drop. I'd even double down and draft two in the front 7 in the first two rounds if we can address offense in FA

Edit: Apparently Reese is mocked top 5, so there goes that. First time I've looked at the mock drafts

Panthers and Morgan need to focus on stopping the run and getting pressure with the front 7. That should be the #1 goal this offseason. Ain't no QB's available to challenge BY so that will have to wait

Edited Wednesday at 08:55 PM by amcoolio

[firefox1234]

I’ve seen mock drafts have us picking the OSU DT Kayden McDonald. If he is BPA I’m for it. I still remember the days we had Short and Star anchoring our DLine on the best Panther defense.

https://catcrave.com/panthers-forecasted-baffle-fans-with-first-round-decision-2026-nfl-draft

Edited Thursday at 01:14 AM by firefox1234

[zacka77ack]

I am doing all my drafts under the assumption that Morgan backs the truck up for Hendrickson or Phillips. This is the latest. 

Traded back with SF and picked up #58 overall and a 2027 5th.

[Crixtala]

[panfanman]

I may have hit a jackpot mock for us.  Albeit I didn't get the OT I wanted the pick was still solid.  Here is the AI analysis.

That is an intriguing class you’ve put together. You definitely followed a "Best Player Available" strategy after those first two picks, but looking at the scouting profiles for these guys in 2026, you might have built a much higher floor for the Panthers' defense than it looks at first glance.

Here is a breakdown of your draft haul:

The "Home Runs" (Round 1)

• 25. C.J. Allen (LB, Georgia): You nailed the "alpha" of the defense here. Scouts are calling him a Pro Bowl-caliber MIKE with elite football IQ. For a Panthers team that has struggled with linebacker consistency, Allen is a "plug-and-play" starter who can communicate the defense from Day 1.
• 28. T.J. Parker (EDGE, Clemson): Getting Parker at 28 is a massive value. He’s often compared to Rashan Gary because of his elite raw traits. Even if his sack numbers fluctuated in college, his ability to set the edge and use his power to collapse the pocket is exactly what Ejiro Evero needs to complement the interior pressure from Derrick Brown.

The Trench Reinforcements

• 70. Drew Shelton (OT, Penn State): This is a savvy pick for depth. Shelton is praised for his footwork and "swing tackle" versatility. Given the importance of keeping Bryce Young upright, having a high-floor OT who can play both sides is a great insurance policy.
• 119. Logan Jones (OC, Iowa): You grabbed the Rimington Award winner (best center in college football) in the 4th round. While he’s slightly undersized, he’s an elite zone-blocker. In Dave Canales’ system, his mobility and ability to get to the second level could be a game-changer for the run game.

The Late-Round Sleepers

• 201. Cole Payton (QB, NDSU): I think your "Taysom Hill" comparison is spot on. Payton finished 2025 with the highest PFF grade in the FCS (97.3). He’s a rugged, 230-pound dual-threat who rushed for over 1,000 yards in a season. Using him as a short-yardage "wildcat" specialist or a developmental backup for Bryce is a low-risk, high-reward move that fits Canales' aggressive 4th-down philosophy perfectly.
• 198. Dae'Quan Wright (TE, Ole Miss): He really popped in 2025 with over 600 yards and 5 TDs. He’s more of a "big receiver" type at TE, which gives Bryce another middle-of-the-field target.

Those two picks in the middle rounds are arguably your most "Ejiro Evero-friendly" selections. They both fit the modern NFL mold of versatile, high-IQ defensive backs who can be moved around like chess pieces.

Here’s why they look like smart value picks:

102. Devin Moore (CB, Florida)

Moore is a fascinating prospect because he looks like he was "built in a lab." At nearly 6'3" with a massive wingspan, he is exactly the kind of press-coverage corner that NFL teams are obsessing over right now.

• The Upside: He finished 2025 with one of the highest PFF coverage grades in the SEC (82.7). He’s incredibly "sticky" in man coverage and has the speed to stay attached to vertical threats.
• The Value: He likely fell to the 4th round because of a rocky injury history early in his career, but he finally stayed healthy in 2025. If he stays on the field, you’ve essentially landed a 1st-round talent at pick 102.
• Panthers Fit: He provides a massive contrast to Jaycee Horn's style, giving you a secondary with two legitimate "shut down" frames.

135. Keionte Scott (S/NB, Miami)

If Devin Moore is the "finesse" athlete, Keionte Scott is the "enforcer." Though listed as a safety in your draft, he played a massive role at nickel for Miami’s 2025 National Championship run.

• The "Dawg" Factor: Scouting reports consistently describe him as playing with "his hair on fire." He is a violent tackler and a prolific blitzer—he racked up 5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss in 2025, which is insane for a defensive back.
• Versatility: He can play single-high safety, slide down to cover the slot, or even play outside in a pinch. He also brings value as an elite punt returner.
• Panthers Fit: He’s the perfect "Swiss Army Knife" for Evero’s disguise-heavy defense. He and your QB pick, Cole Payton, seem to share that high-motor, "any role needed" mentality.

Summary: You’ve essentially drafted a prototype boundary corner (Moore) and a dynamic slot/safety hybrid (Scott). Moore handles the deep threats, and Scott handles the "trash" near the line of scrimmage.

Between these two and your 1st rounders (Allen and Parker), you’ve basically rebuilt the spine of the Panthers' defense in a single weekend.

The Verdict: You successfully addressed the pass rush and linebacker issues that have plagued Carolina, while adding a creative offensive weapon in Payton. Plus, snagging a 2027 Dallas 2nd-rounder while keeping your own picks is a "masterclass" in asset management. It gives you huge flexibility for next year's draft.

[45catfan]

 

[firefox1234]

I obviously don't read too much into mock drafts especially when we have not even done combine or pro days but Daniel Jeremiah's mock drafts tend to be based on his insider knowledge on how teams view prospects draft grade.

Quote

 

Pick

1

Las Vegas Raiders

Fernando Mendoza

Indiana · QB · Junior (RS)

Mendoza clearly distanced himself from the rest of the field at quarterback this past season, culminating in Indiana’s first ever national title. With 39 touchdowns and no interceptions in the red zone since 2024, the Heisman Trophy winner offers the kind of rare production the Raiders can’t pass up.

Pick

2

New York Jets

Arvell Reese

Ohio State · Edge · Junior

The Jets have needs all over their defense. Reese is versatile and athletic. I think he’ll benefit from working off the edge full time after also playing off-ball linebacker during his Buckeyes career.

Pick

3

Arizona Cardinals

Spencer Fano

Utah · OT · Junior

The big question is who will be playing quarterback for the Cardinals in 2026, but there’s no clear QB answer for them at this point in the draft. They make a selection that will benefit whoever ends up under center. Fano has the versatility to play four different spots on the O-line (all but center) if needed.

Pick

4

Tennessee Titans

Francis Mauigoa

Miami · OT · Junior

This offseason is about helping Cam Ward take the next step, and that starts with doing a better job of protecting him. Mauigoa has excellent size/strength and still has room to develop.

Pick

5

New York Giants

Mansoor Delane

LSU · CB · Senior

The Giants could add a receiver later in the draft -- it's a deep class at the position -- but Delane would immediately be their most talented cornerback.

Pick

6

Cleveland Browns

David Bailey

Texas Tech · Edge · Senior

Cleveland should take the best player available here. A receiver could also be in play, but Bailey has the best get-off of any pass rusher in the draft. Alex Wright is a solid edge who signed a contract extension in November, but Bailey is a different caliber of player. Myles Garrett would have some talented running mates up front.

Pick

7

Washington Commanders

Sonny Styles

Ohio State · LB · Senior

Styles reminds me of Fred Warner, who was drafted by the 49ers when current Commanders GM Adam Peters was an executive in San Francisco’s front office. Keep in mind that Bobby Wagner is 35 and headed for free agency.

Pick

8

New Orleans Saints

Jeremiyah Love

Notre Dame · RB · Junior

I love -- no pun intended -- the idea of pairing Tyler Shough with the most electric playmaker in the draft.

Pick

9

Kansas City Chiefs

Rueben Bain Jr.

Miami · Edge · Junior

Bain is my favorite fit for the Chiefs. Andy Reid has always had an appreciation for players with a junkyard-dog mentality like Bain possesses, having coached Trent Cole and Brandon Graham in Philadelphia.

Pick

10

Cincinnati Bengals

Jermod McCoy

Tennessee · CB · Junior

Cincinnati needs help all over the field on defense. McCoy missed the 2025 season due to an ACL injury, but his 2024 tape was outstanding. He’s squarely in the mix to be the top CB in the draft.

Pick

11

Miami Dolphins

Caleb Downs

Ohio State · S · Junior

Downs has the versatility to play multiple spots, much like his teammate -- in this scenario -- Minkah Fitzpatrick. Downs’ football intelligence and leadership are off the charts. Miami has to improve a defense that ranked 24th in scoring and 32nd in opponent completion percentage.

Pick

12

Dallas Cowboys

Colton Hood

Tennessee · CB · Sophomore (RS)

I expect Dallas to draft an edge rusher in Round 1 (SEE: Pick No. 20 in this mock), but I’d like to see the Cowboys upgrade the secondary, too. Hood would be a plug-and-play starter for them.

Pick

13

Los Angeles Rams

(via ATL)

Makai Lemon

USC · WR · Junior

The Rams value tough, rugged receivers who are also playmakers. It would almost be unfair to add Lemon to an offense that already includes Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.

Pick

14

Baltimore Ravens

Olaivavega Ioane

Penn State · OG · Junior (RS)

The Ravens need to upgrade at guard, and center Tyler Linderbaum is due to reach free agency in March. Ioane has a strong case to be considered the best offensive lineman in this year’s draft.

Pick

15

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cashius Howell

Texas A&M · Edge · Senior (RS)

One of my favorite players to study, Howell plays 100 mph at all times and has the production to back it up (27 career sacks, 35.5 tackles for loss).

Pick

16

New York Jets

(via IND)

Carnell Tate

Ohio State · WR · Junior

This would be a value pick, but we see talented receivers go in this area of the draft year after year (Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Emeka Egbuka, Justin Jefferson). The Jets pair former Ohio State star Garrett Wilson with a fellow Buckeye.

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Pick

17

Detroit Lions

Akheem Mesidor

Miami · Edge · Senior (RS)

Mesidor would thrive opposite Aidan Hutchinson, going from one dynamic pass-rush duo (with Bain at Miami) to another.

Pick

18

Minnesota Vikings

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

Toledo · S · Senior

I’m higher on McNeil-Warren than some other people around the league, but I love his combination of size and explosive playmaking ability. He could help replace Harrison Smith if the soon-to-be 37-year-old does indeed retire.

Pick

19

Carolina Panthers

Jordyn Tyson

Arizona State · WR · Junior (RS)

The Panthers have a stud in Tetairoa McMillan, and I like what I saw from Jalen Coker at the end of the season, but choosing Tyson would complete the WR room.

Pick

20

Dallas Cowboys

(via GB)

Keldric Faulk

Auburn · Edge · Junior

Faulk is a tough evaluation. He has great size and is a smooth athlete, but I’d like to see him play with a little more urgency. The upside is tremendous.

Pick

21

Pittsburgh Steelers

Denzel Boston

Washington · WR · Junior (RS)

The Steelers must find someone to complement DK Metcalf. Boston is another big, physical receiver to play opposite the two-time Pro Bowler.

Pick

22

Los Angeles Chargers

Lee Hunter

Texas Tech · DT · Senior (RS)

Hunter is one of my early draft crushes. He has outstanding size, quickness and the ability to disrupt. With Teair Tart due to become a free agent, Hunter would provide some insurance.

 

EDITOR'S UPDATE: After publishing on Monday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Teair Tart has agreed to terms with the Chargers on a three-year extension worth up to $37.5 million.

Pick

23

Philadelphia Eagles

Avieon Terrell

Clemson · CB · Junior

Terrell teams up with Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell to give the Eagles the best young secondary in the NFL. The former Clemson Tiger can play inside or outside.

Pick

24

Cleveland Browns

(via JAC)

Kadyn Proctor

Alabama · OT · Junior

Proctor is an enormous human. If the Browns can keep Dawand Jones healthy, they would have a massive duo at tackle.

Pick

25

Chicago Bears

Dillon Thieneman

Oregon · S · Junior

The Bears figure to be in the safety market with the contracts expiring for Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Thieneman can play both safety spots and could cover in the slot if needed.

Pick

26

Buffalo Bills

CJ Allen

Georgia · LB · Junior

Linebacker could be a need for Buffalo with Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson ticketed for free agency. Allen can run and hit, but he also has the intangibles you want at the position. The Bills need to improve a defense that ranked 28th against the run.

Pick

27

San Francisco 49ers

Kenyon Sadiq

Oregon · TE · Junior

Sadiq could go much higher than 27th overall. He’s undersized, but he has outstanding speed and is a competitive blocker. He would be the ultimate chess piece for Kyle Shanahan, giving the coach a hybrid of George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk.

Pick

28

Houston Texans

Monroe Freeling

Georgia · OT · Junior

The Texans did a nice job of maneuvering to land Aireontae Ersery in last year’s draft. Now they get another young tackle to pair with him. Freeling is just scratching the surface of his potential.

Pick

29

Los Angeles Rams

Blake Miller

Clemson · OT · Senior

He’s flying a bit under the radar now, but you’ll hear a lot more about Miller as we go through the draft process. The former high school wrestler made 54 starts at Clemson. He’s a tough, competitive right tackle.

Pick

30

Denver Broncos

Peter Woods

Clemson · DT · Junior

Folks around the league are split on Woods’ evaluation. Some don’t view him as a first-round pick, but he has the quickness to add to the league’s best pass-rush group as an inside rusher.

Pick

31

New England Patriots

Caleb Lomu

Utah · OT · Sophomore (RS)

With Morgan Moses set to turn 35 in March, the Patriots land another young tackle to help protect Drake Maye.

Pick

32

Seattle Seahawks

Brandon Cisse

South Carolina · CB · Junior

Cisse will put on a show once we get to the testing portion of the offseason. He can fill a void if the Seahawks lose any of their soon-to-be free agents at cornerback (Coby Bryant, Riq Woolen, Josh Jobe).

 

https://www.nfl.com/news/daniel-jeremiah-2026-nfl-mock-draft-1-0