Current State of the Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers enter the 2026 offseason in a fascinating position. After making the playoffs, and having a chance to defeat the Los Angeles Rams. Expectations have officially shifted from rebuilding to sustaining contention. However, several roster holes must be addressed if this team wants to take the next step.
Primary Needs:
- EDGE rusher (last in pressure rate, no double-digit sack leader)
- Linebacker depth (Both starting linebackers ranked in the bottom third in the position group)
- Offensive line reinforcements (center and tackle concerns)
- Backup quarterback
- Interior defensive line depth (Key losses due to the cap and injuries this past season)
With the 19th overall pick and seven total selections, plus limited cap space (roughly $9.5M effective space), General Manager Dan Morgan must lean heavily on the draft to strengthen the trenches.
Round 1 (Pick 19)
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
This may surprise some fans expecting an edge rusher here, but Kenyon Sadiq gives Bryce Young a dynamic mismatch weapon in the middle of the field.
Carolina’s offense needs more explosiveness and reliability in high-leverage moments. Sadiq offers:
- Vertical seam ability
- YAC upside
- Red-zone athleticism
- Alignment versatility
While edge remains a priority, the Panthers double down on helping Bryce Young elevate the offense in Year 4. If Carolina addresses their pass rush in free agency, this becomes a luxury pick with major upside.
Round 2 (Pick 51)
Jake Golday, ILB, Cincinnati
Linebacker depth is a clear priority.
Golday is a traits-driven linebacker with ideal size (6’4”, 240) and legitimate sideline-to-sideline range. A former defensive end, he brings physicality as a run defender and added value as a blitzer. After posting 105 tackles in 2025, he projects as a developmental weakside linebacker with immediate special teams impact. His length, motor, and versatility fit what Carolina needs at the second level.
He fits the identity Dan Morgan wants defensively: tough, instinctive, downhill. Golday competes immediately for rotational snaps and strengthens the second level.
Round 3 (Pick 83)
Dani Dennis-Sutton, EDGE, Penn State
He is a traits-heavy edge rusher with elite combine testing (4.63 forty at 6’6”, 256 lbs) and back-to-back 8.5-sack seasons at Penn State. While his tape shows more power than bend, he sets a strong edge against the run and wins with length and effort. He projects as a high-floor rotational defensive end early in his career, with upside to develop into a productive complementary pass rusher in Carolina’s front.
With Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen already in place, Carolina adds another young, moldable edge defender rather than forcing a first-round reach.
This balances value and need.
Round 4 (Pick 119)
Chase Bisontis, OG, Texas A&M
This is a tone-setting trench selection.
With injuries to Ikem Ekwonu and uncertainty at center/tackle depth, Bisontis provides:
- Guard/tackle flexibility
- Violent run blocking
- SEC experience
He likely begins as interior depth but could develop into a starting-caliber guard with refinement in pass protection.
In a tight cap situation, rookie contract linemen matter.
Round 5 (Pick 156)
Dontay Corleone, NT, Cincinnati
If A’Shawn Robinson becomes a cap casualty, Carolina will need interior reinforcement.
Corleone gives the Panthers:
- True nose tackle size
- Anchor ability in a 3-4 front
- Surprising interior push on passing downs
He’s a space-eater who keeps linebackers clean — something this defense has needed.
Round 5 (Pick 161)
Vincent Anthony Jr., EDGE, Duke
Doubling down on the pass rush late.
Anthony posted 7.5 sacks last season and:
- Sets the edge vs the run
- Flashes bend and closing burst
- Is only 21 years old
Carolina builds rotational depth and competition at EDGE without overspending.
Round 6 (Pick 198)
Tyren Montgomery, WR, John Carroll
This is your upside swing. A different body type that could be an excellent true slot receiver and play instantly.
Montgomery’s path:
Basketball → FCS → Division III breakout → Senior Bowl standout.
Strengths:
- Elite contested catch ability
- High-point specialist
- Natural ball skills
- Production monster (119 catches, 1,528 yards in 2025)
Concerns:
- D-III competition
- 25-year-old rookie
- Needs route refinement
But in Round 6? This is worth the gamble.
He could develop into a red-zone weapon while contributing on special teams.
Round 7 (Pick 235)
Owen Heinecke, DB, Oklahoma
Carolina adds a big-bodied defensive back with versatility.
At 6’2”, 227 pounds, Heinecke:
- Can play slot in zone
- Supports the run well
- Offers depth at safety
He won’t be a speed merchant (4.62 forty), but he fits sub-package roles and special teams.
Late-round DB depth is never a bad investment.
The Last Word for Panthers Draft…For Now
This mock draft reflects a Panthers team focused on long-term stability rather than short-term splash. The priority is strengthening the pass rush without forcing value, reinforcing the trenches on both sides of the ball, and continuing to surround Bryce Young with reliable weapons. At the same time, it adds needed depth and versatility across key defensive positions. Carolina doesn’t need a flashy draft; it needs a sustainable one that supports continued playoff contention.
If these selections hit, the Panthers won’t just be playoff participants. They’ll be built to stay there.
Main Photo: [Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard] – Imagn Images