The Carolina Panthers made the playoffs (barely), with an 8-9 record in 2025 under head coach Dave Canales. Carolina now enters a pivotal fourth season with quarterback Bryce Young and a talented front seven on defense.
2026 Carolina Panthers: Free Agency Overview
Additions:
EDGE – Jaelan Phillips (PHI)
LB – Devin Lloyd (JAX)
IOL – Luke Fortner (NO)
OT – Rasheed Walker (GB)
QB – Kenny Pickett (LV)
Subtractions:
IOL – Austin Corbett (BUF)
DL – A’Shawn Robinson (TB)
QB – Andy Dalton (Trade – PHI)
EDGE – D.J. Wonnum (DET)
RB – Rico Dowdle (PIT)
Carolina Panthers 2026 7 Round NFL Mock Draft
1-19: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The Panthers have spent high draft capital at the position over the last few years. But they still haven’t gotten it right with Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders. Adding Sadiq, one of the best athletes in the 2026 class, gives Bryce Young another big and fast weapon. And Sadiq can block too!
2-51: Christen Miller, DL, Georgia
Miller hasn’t had the best draft process to date, but he is still talented enough to make Carolina believe he can benefit their interior DL rotation.
3-83: Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
As the 2026 NFL Draft process rolls along, it is highly unlikely Lawrence is available at pick 83. The UCF edge rusher is likely to be one of the top players selected from the Shrine Bowl. After his electrifying Combine performance and overall good tape, Carolina would be fortunate to select him here. Maybe they take him at 51 instead?
REST OF THE PICKS
4-119: Deontae Lawson, LB, Alabama
5-158: Josh Cameron, WR, Baylor
5-159: Jeremiah Wright, OT, Auburn
6-200: Thaddeus Dixon, CB, North Carolina
Carolina Panthers 2026 7 Round NFL Mock Draft Analysis
Carolina adds more depth to their strong front seven with their picks in rounds 2-4. Meanwhile, you give another weapon to Bryce Young with a big and athletic TE in the first.
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References
Simulator: MOCK DRAFT DATABASE
FA: OVER THE CAP
DEPTH CHART: OURLADS