Panthers Load Up on Defensive Talent in 7-Round 2026 NFL Draft

Carolina adds key pieces to improve their defense through the draft

Jan. 30, 2026 at 11:07am

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The Carolina Panthers had a surprise playoff run in 2025 and are looking to build on that success in the 2026 NFL Draft. In this 7-round mock draft, the Panthers focus on upgrading their defense, selecting a cornerback, two defensive tackles, an edge rusher, and a safety. They also add a running back and a pair of tall wide receivers to give QB Bryce Young more weapons on offense.

Why it matters

The Panthers need to continue improving their roster to compete in the NFC South, which features several strong teams. Shoring up the defensive line and secondary will be crucial, while also providing Young with more offensive talent. This draft class could set the Panthers up for sustained success in the coming years.

The details

In the first round, the Panthers select CB Avieon Terrell from Clemson to pair with Jaycee Horn and bolster their secondary. In the second and third rounds, they address the interior defensive line by taking DTs Lee Hunter from Texas Tech and Darrell Jackson Jr. from Florida State. Later, they add EDGE Malachi Lawrence from UCF and S Jalen Catalon from Missouri. On offense, the Panthers select RB Nicholas Singleton from Penn State and WRs Chase Roberts from BYU and Caleb Douglas from Texas Tech to give Young more weapons.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April or early May 2026.

The players

Avieon Terrell

A cornerback from Clemson University who is the younger brother of Falcons CB AJ Terrell.

Lee Hunter

A defensive tackle from Texas Tech University who is a prototypical nose tackle at 6'4" and 330 pounds.

Darrell Jackson Jr.

A defensive tackle from Florida State University who shares many of the same strengths and weaknesses as Lee Hunter.

Malachi Lawrence

An edge rusher from the University of Central Florida who has excellent length but needs to improve his run defense.

Jalen Catalon

A safety from the University of Missouri who is a slot/safety hybrid with a history of injuries.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The Panthers are clearly focused on improving their defense through the draft, adding key pieces at cornerback, defensive tackle, and edge rusher. While they also address the offense with a running back and wide receivers, the defensive focus shows their priority is to build a well-rounded, dominant unit to support QB Bryce Young and compete in the NFC South.