Panthers 7-Round 2026 Mock Draft: Dan Morgan’s job is far from over after running laps around the rest of the league in free agency
The Carolina Panthers still have a few more holes to fill after an aggressive first week of free agency.
Few general managers in the NFL had as much fun as Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan did last week after reeling in three Top-10 free agents according to our A to Z Sports Top-100 free agent rankings in DE Jaelan Phillips, LB Devin Lloyd, and LT Rasheed Walker.
It was the exact kind of aggressiveness this team needed to operate with after clinching an NFC South title last season and shows the Panthers are not going to be complacent. Along that note, the job isn’t finished. The Panthers still have more holes to plug in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Panthers 7-Round Post-Free Agency Mock Draft
Round 1, pick 19: Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
By signing an impact edge rusher, starting linebacker, and stopgap left tackle, the board is wide open for the Panthers with the 19th overall pick. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq is a routine selection for the Panthers and one you’ll continue to see after the team opted out of paying a top tight end.
To me, I don’t see the appeal in drafting at tight end in that range of the draft. I’d rather see the Panthers continue addressing the defense and snag Dillon Thieneman to really shake up the draft. Since dominating the NFL Combine, Thieneman has skyrocketed up draft boards showing he has the speed to match up with the ball skills worthy of being a Day 1 starter for any defense.
Round 2, pick 51: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech
Yes, I know the Panthers paid big money to bring in Devin Lloyd, but that’s not stopping me from using an early selection on another linebacker. When Dan Morgan talked about the linebacker position, he said attacking it will be a combination of free agency and the draft to have high quality depth at that position.
Jacob Rodriguez is still the perfect fit for the Panthers if he’s still on the board. As a former linebacker, Morgan should be all over the idea of adding the nation’s best linebacker to the second level of his defense. Rodriguez has already met with the Panthers multiple times this offseason and there’s mutual interest in making this happen and pairing him with Lloyd.
Round 3, pick 83: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Cameron Wolfe briefly mentioned last week that the Panthers were sniffing around the market for a slot cornerback to play alongside Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. No deal surfaced on that front, so it’s worth investigating potential options in the draft to find an upgrade over Chau Smith-Wade.
A name I still like here is Malik Muhammad. He’s a feisty-style cornerback that allowed just one interception during the 2025 season. He played over 500 snaps on the outside in 2025 but has the ability to kick inside as well with his play-style. NFL coaches are going to love this guy. He’s risen to the occasion in big moments and still has some upside to mold once he adds more weight.
Round 4, pick 119: Jake Slaughter, C, Florida
The Panthers signed a 2026 starter at the center position in Luke Fortner, stealing him from a division rival in the New Orleans Saints. What was interesting to me is that he only signed a one-year deal despite his experience as a starter. Even if he proves to be a long-term option beyond 2026, the Panthers still need some depth inside after letting Cade Mays cash in on the market and with Brady Christensen still unsigned.
Jake Slaughter is an early Day 3 name to watch. His pass protection is outstanding and he actually compares similarly to Fortner. He’s also an experienced veteran after starting multiple years for the Gators while being a two-time team captain. For a depth piece, he’s as safe as you could get.
Round 5, pick 156: Le’Veon Moss, RB, Texas A&M
After letting Rico Dowdle walk in free agency, the Panthers lost some power in the running back room behind Chuba Hubbard. The plan is to let Jonathon Brooks take over as the 1B in the run game but if Hubbard goes down, the team will need another capable power back that’s not Trevor Etienne.
Le’Veon Moss can bring that downhill rushing ability. He’s build for goal-line / short-yardage situations but lacks the top end speed ended to be a team’s primary back while having some injury history. As a role player, he fits the kind of back the Panthers should consider adding to the room.
Round 5, pick: 157: Drew Shelton, OT, Penn State
Going with another depth pick on the offensive line in Day 3. Dan Morgan landed incredible value signing Rasheed Walker to be a one-year starter at left tackle while Ickey Ekwonu recovers from his knee injury. To replace Yosh Nijman as the swing tackle, the Panthers decided to sign Stone Forsythe, who is only on an NFL roster right now because of his connection with head coach Dave Canales.
The Panthers would be wise to add competition in that spot to eventually push Forsythe out of consideration for any potential role. Drew Shelton out of Penn State is a solid value to be a depth tackle. He started the last two seasons at left tackle but back in 2023 played both tackle spots for the Nittany Lions as a reserve. He’s highly athletic too and can fit into the Panthers’ heavy zone scheme.
Round 7, pick 199: Logan Fano, DE, Utah
With the final pick, let’s add another body off the edge considering Morgan always says you can never have too many bodies off the edge. Logan Fano in the seventh is going to be a steal for what ever team ends up landing him. He had 10.5 career sacks in three seasons at Utah and was a solid run defender. He’s an older prospect but a sound rotational option to consider off the edge.
Carolina Panthers News
Grading the Carolina Panthers’ first week of free agency: Dan Morgan reels in multiple big fish that can put him on the league podium
The first week of free agency was a great start to the offseason for the Carolina Panthers.
