Feb. 2, 2026, 6:31 a.m. ET

If variety is the spice of life, then our latest mock draft roundup for the Carolina Panthers is pretty well-seasoned.

As we move on to February, and away from this year’s Senior Bowl, let’s take a look at some of the latest projections for the team’s first-round pick here in 2026 . . .

NFL Media

Pick: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State

Author: Daniel Jeremiah

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

Take: The Panthers have a stud in Tetairoa McMillan, and I like what I saw from Jalen Coker at the end of the season, but choosing Tyson would complete the WR room.

NFL Media

Pick: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson

Author: Bucky Brooks

Take: Finding a disruptive playmate for Derrick Brown could elevate the Panthers’ defense in 2026. Woods’ athleticism and explosiveness could create problems for opponents attempting to attack between the tackles.

Pro Football Focus

Pick: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

Author: Dalton Wasserman

Take: Faulk remains a work in progress as a pass rusher, but his strength and stout run defense would be an asset to Carolina’s defensive front. His 85.5 run-defense grade ranked 12th among qualified FBS edge defenders this season, while the Panthers’ edge unit ranked 22nd in the NFL in run-defense grade. Faulk’s addition would give Carolina an intriguing young group of edge rushers to develop.

CBS Sports

Pick: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama

Author: Ryan Wilson

Take: Proctor is a massive, athletic LT with impressive balance and the ability to move effectively in space, making him a first-round talent in both pass protection and perimeter run schemes. When locked in, he can dominate defensive linemen in the run game and neutralize elite edge rushers in pass protection. While his weight, footwork and consistency can be an issue at times, his size, athleticism and upside make him a potential top-tier tackle when fully focused.

The Ringer

Pick: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Author: Danny Kelly

Take: The Panthers added two impact edge rushers in last year’s draft in Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, but that doesn’t stop them from bolstering the spot even more here. Howell is a tenacious, twitchy rusher who constantly stresses opposing tackles. A top-tier pass rush group could put Carolina over the top in the division in 2026. 

The Athletic

Pick: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State

Author: Scott Dochterman

Take: A massive interior defender with both one- and two-gap capabilities, McDonald is an elite run stopper who also would help the Panthers’ pass rush, which finished tied for 28th in production this season. McDonald isn’t necessarily a pass rusher himself, per se, but his presence would allow others to find openings.

Draft Network

Pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC

Author: Justin Melo

Take: Word is the Panthers may consider a wide receiver with a third consecutive first-round pick. Dave Canales is an influential head coach and it’s all about continuing to invest in Bryce Young’s development. Makai Lemon creates easy separation and would complement what Tetairoa McMillan does.

Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.