Outside of Sonny Styles, what linebacker would you want the Panthers to draft?
February 3, 2026
For me it’s Jacob Rodriguez.
11 comments
Im hoping Jack Kelly (BYU) falls to us in the 5th. Heart and soul guy, can rush the passer, he had 10 sacks this year. A solid piece that can help run and pass D and probably special teams. I’m less inclined to go LB too early given the depth at the position. I prefer Sadiq at 19. I also like Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas), he’s an elite playmaker. I’d be ok drafting him in the second round if he falls that far.
I’d go with Elliot Smitherson honestly. Seems like a real hustler. Real locker-room, glue kinda guy. The kind of guy you’d want dating your daughter.
Cj allen
Get Nakobe Dean in free agency imo
I’m biased because it’s the only two teams I care about, but Dean will walk because the Eagles have two other starting linebackers and need to spend on retaining other positions.
Dean is great in coverage and excellent in the run game. Lots of good blitz looks this year too. That’s what I hope for the Panthers at least. Use the high pick on a lineman or maybe Kenyon Sadiq
Jacob Rodriguez.
Timing of where he’ll be in the draft is big, meaning they can go BPA or target another position with at least the first two picks.
He has limitations (lack of size and speed) but there’s just something to his game. He produces.
Jacob Rodriguez. I think he was the best player in CFB this year.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr and deontae Lawson would very good picks as well.
Arvell Reese. But he’s not making it to us. Unless…..
Cj Allen, J. Rodriguez, Hill Jr, Lawson, Golday.
All good options around the top 3 rounds
CJ Allen dudes a dog
Anthony hill out of Texas is a dream fit. One of the most instinctual players in the draft, he’s an absolute culture changer and has dominated ever since he stepped on the field as a true freshman.
11 comments
Im hoping Jack Kelly (BYU) falls to us in the 5th. Heart and soul guy, can rush the passer, he had 10 sacks this year. A solid piece that can help run and pass D and probably special teams. I’m less inclined to go LB too early given the depth at the position. I prefer Sadiq at 19. I also like Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas), he’s an elite playmaker. I’d be ok drafting him in the second round if he falls that far.
I’d go with Elliot Smitherson honestly. Seems like a real hustler. Real locker-room, glue kinda guy. The kind of guy you’d want dating your daughter.
Cj allen
Get Nakobe Dean in free agency imo
I’m biased because it’s the only two teams I care about, but Dean will walk because the Eagles have two other starting linebackers and need to spend on retaining other positions.
Dean is great in coverage and excellent in the run game. Lots of good blitz looks this year too. That’s what I hope for the Panthers at least. Use the high pick on a lineman or maybe Kenyon Sadiq
Jacob Rodriguez.
Timing of where he’ll be in the draft is big, meaning they can go BPA or target another position with at least the first two picks.
He has limitations (lack of size and speed) but there’s just something to his game. He produces.
Jacob Rodriguez. I think he was the best player in CFB this year.
Jeremiah Trotter Jr and deontae Lawson would very good picks as well.
Arvell Reese. But he’s not making it to us. Unless…..
Cj Allen, J. Rodriguez, Hill Jr, Lawson, Golday.
All good options around the top 3 rounds
CJ Allen dudes a dog
Anthony hill out of Texas is a dream fit. One of the most instinctual players in the draft, he’s an absolute culture changer and has dominated ever since he stepped on the field as a true freshman.