Tony Pauline: Panthers’ Biggest Roster Needs

[TheSpecialJuan]

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.

 

Edited 3 hours ago by TheSpecialJuan

[TheSpecialJuan]

https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-carolina-panthers-biggest-roster-needs-cj-allen-miss-pushes-carolina-toward-texas-am-star-in-twenty-twenty-six-nfl-mock-draft/

[jfra78]

I would be happy with this 

[ProcessBlue2]

From what I can tell Morgan tends to spend 50% of our assets on the biggest position of need and then spreads the other half out elsewhere. He did this with OL and last year with DL.

My guess is that he goes 50% on LB and Edge this year, and adds a few other pieces like T, WR, TE.

Like it wouldn’t surprise me if Drafted a LB in the 1st picked up a FA LB, drafted an Edge in round 2/3 and signed another edge in FA.

[Johnstonny]

We have to get a stud at left tackle to keep things rolling since we are going to trot Brycie out there again.... Icky ain't coming back... Its not a sexy pick but its needed... then draft D out the azz a la gettleman.

Edited 2 hours ago by Johnstonny

[LinvilleGorge]

The biggest need is QB but nothing signals that the organization realizes it and this QB draft is ass anyways, at least in the early rounds.

Honestly, not a big fan of adding another pass rusher early in the draft. Pass rushers usually take a couple of years of development in the NFL and we just drafted two in the 2nd round. I'd rather add a pass rusher in FA.

[MHS831]

LT is a need.  Big un.

[L-TownCat]

Outside of Ryan Kalil we are allergic to drafting a true center. It’s always somebody that’s never played the position or did it in high school.  Come on!

[Johnstonny]

2 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

LT is a need.  Big un.

Icky ain't coming back... at his full strength...which was suss anyways... 

[ProcessBlue2]

4 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

The biggest need is QB but nothing signals that the organization realizes it and this QB draft is ass anyways, at least in the early rounds.

Honestly, not a big fan of adding another pass rusher early in the draft. Pass rushers usually take a couple of years of development in the NFL and we just drafted two in the 2nd round. I'd rather add a pass rusher in FA.

See I think this is such an important year for Canales, Bryce, and Morgan. I think Dan brings in a real back-up this time. If Bryce shits the bed and the “Kyle Allen” or “Mitch Trubisky” type comes in and does fine, that’s an off ramp to not extend him, scapegoat him, and buy themselves another season.

[csx]

I would pick up more OT before TE 

Edited 2 hours ago by csx

[carolinanimal]

36 minutes ago, csx said:

I would pick up more OT before TE 

do we even use the TE in this offense? 

[csx]

11 minutes ago, carolinanimal said:

do we even use the TE in this offense? 

For how much they are targeted they were pretty productive for first downs and touchdowns. 

[Daddy_Uncle]

I would be happy with this. Love all those guys. Big fan of Golday