We are now one step closer to the 2026 NFL Draft, as this year’s Senior Bowl has officially wrapped up down in Mobile, Ala. The all-star festivities, after a competitive three days of practice, ended with a victory for the American Team—who held off the National Team, 17-9.

So, which prospects from this year’s event could intrigue the Carolina Panthers later on in the spring?

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Using strictly Senior Bowl participants, let’s run through a fresh seven-round mock for the reigning NFC South champions . . .

First round (No. 19 overall): T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson

Panthers fans are very much aware of the fact that their team has never, despite being so close, drafted a player from Clemson University. They’re also aware that their team’s pass rush has been almost non-existent for the last few years, so this should be a welcomed first.

Parker’s dip in production this past season will raise a red flag, as he went from 11.0 sacks (and a whopping six forced fumbles) in 2024 to just 5.0 in 2025. But similarly to 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton—his big build, raw power and high motor would give Carolina’s staff plenty to work with.

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Second round (No. 51 overall): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

Yes, the Panthers have one of the top one-two punches at the cornerback position in Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. The lack of depth behind them, however, is alarmingly thin—and it might’ve, after Horn’s early exit in the wild-card round, cost them a playoff win.

Johnson, who regularly showcased some brilliant technique in Mobile, allowed the lowest passer rating in the nation amongst corners (16.1) and received Pro Football Focus’ highest coverage grade (92.4) in 2025. And at six-feet and 185 pounds, he may even fit the bill as Carolina’s starting nickel—a spot the team has struggled to address.

Third round (No. 83 overall): Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech

Speaking of spots that’ve plagued the defense, the inside linebacker position has been a major weakness for much too long. The super-productive Rodriguez could challenge for a starting role there right away.

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Over the last two seasons, he’s amassed 255 combined tackles, 6.0 sacks, five interceptions, 10 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. Rodriguez will head into the pros as a unanimous All-American along with 2025’s Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award and Chuck Bednarik Award.

Fourth round (No. 119 overall): Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College

Between the uncertainty surrounding left tackle Ikem Ekwonu’s recovery from a torn patellar tendon and an aging right tackle in Taylor Moton, the Panthers should look to add a bookend in this draft.

Bowry, 6-foot-4 and 314 pounds, has experience on both sides.

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Fifth round (No. 156 overall): Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati

Allen may not profile as the ideal home-run threat the Panthers are looking for on offense. But he’s proven to be a master at separating, thanks to his speed and smooth footwork.

Fifth round (No. 157 overall): Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston

Carolina hasn’t gotten much production out of the tight end position in quite some time. The 6-foot-7, 240-pound Koziol, over his last two campaigns, reeled in 168 catches for 1,566 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Sixth round (No. 199 overall): Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon

The Panthers will need more than just one addition at inside linebacker. Boettcher flashed in coverage throughout the week.

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Seventh round (No. 235 overall): Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas

Green has impressive size, athleticism and arm talent. If the Panthers are indeed in the market for a developmental project behind starter Bryce Young, this 6-foot-6, 224-pound dual-threat talent would be a fine investment on Day 3 of the draft.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Carolina Panthers 2026 mock draft 2.0: Senior Bowl edition