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CAR
Carolina Panthers
Draft Needs
| Priority | Position | Level | Target Round | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EDGE | HIGH | Round 1 | Signed Jaelan Phillips ($120M) and Devin Lloyd ($45M) to address pass rush and LB, but still need a complementary EDGE opposite Phillips; Panthers ranked 31st in PFF pass-rush grade (60.5) |
| 2 | OC | HIGH | Round 2 | Center is a glaring need on the offensive line; signed Luke Fortner as a stopgap but need a long-term answer at the pivot to protect Bryce Young or Pickett |
| 3 | LB | HIGH | Round 2 | Signed Devin Lloyd but inside linebacker capable of dropping into coverage remains a critical need; lack of coverage-capable ILB was a detriment to the defense in 2025 |
| 4 | WR | HIGH | Round 3 | Lost Rico Dowdle to Pittsburgh; Xavier Legette is the primary weapon but team believes in him; need a true WR2 to complement and create separation in the passing game |
| 5 | S | MEDIUM | Round 3 | Safety remains an area where the Panthers could use a playmaker to help the rebuilt defense; need a ball-hawk safety who can cover ground in post snaps |
| 6 | OT | MEDIUM | Round 4 | Signed Stone Forsythe to address tackle depth but long-term offensive line quality remains a concern; need a developmental OT with starting upside |
Draft Strategy
Balanced Approach
This team takes a balanced approach, weighing both player value and team needs. They will take the best player available when the value is clear, but will also factor in positional need when players are similarly rated.
Team Info
Carolina
City
Panthers
Nickname
NFC
Conference
South
Division
2026 Draft Picks
7
Total Picks
1
Round 1
3
Top 3 Rounds
0
Compensatory
| Round | Pick | Overall | Type | Original Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rd 1 | 19 | #19 | OWN | - |
| Rd 2 | 51 | #51 | OWN | - |
| Rd 3 | 83 | #83 | OWN | - |
| Rd 4 | 119 | #119 | OWN | - |
| Rd 5 | 158 | #158 | TRADE | MIN |
| Rd 5 | 159 | #159 | OWN | - |
| Rd 6 | 200 | #200 | OWN | - |
Needs Summary
1
EDGE
HIGH
2
OC
HIGH
3
LB
HIGH
4
WR
HIGH
5
S
MEDIUM
6
OT
MEDIUM
2026 Offseason Moves
+ Additions
Akayleb Evans
CB
FREE AGENCY
from CAR
Re-signed on 1-year deal
David Moore
WR
FREE AGENCY
from CAR
Re-signed; depth receiver
Devin Lloyd
LB
FREE AGENCY
from JAX
$15.0M/yr
3yr
Isaiah Simmons
LB
FREE AGENCY
from CAR
Re-signed; LB/S versatility
Jaelan Phillips
DE
FREE AGENCY
from PHI
$30.0M/yr
4yr
Kenny Pickett
QB
FREE AGENCY
from FA
$7.5M/yr
1yr
Luke Fortner
C
FREE AGENCY
from NO
$4.8M/yr
1yr
Stone Forsythe
OT
FREE AGENCY
from FA
Signed as offensive tackle depth
− Losses
A'Shawn Robinson
DT
RELEASE
to TB
$10.0M/yr
1yr
Cade Mays
C
FREE AGENCY
to DET
$8.3M/yr
3yr
Rico Dowdle
RB
FREE AGENCY
to PIT
$6.1M/yr
2yr