The Carolina Panthers, all the way here in Week 14, sit at 7-6 and are just half a game behind the NFC South lead. So, for the first time in a long time at this point in the season, the team’s faithful are more focused on the possibility of playoffs than they are prospects in the draft.
But it’s never too early, especially during a bye week, to peek at what could be ahead in the spring.
As we kick back on the Panthers’ break, let’s dive into a mini-mock draft for 2026!
First round (15th overall): Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Rookie Mitchell Evans has shown some early signs that he could potentially become a No. 1 tight end on this roster. But the offense is in need of a difference maker at the position—one who can win in both the passing game and running game.
Sadiq has it all. The 6-foot-3, 245-pounder possesses rare size and athleticism as weapon through the air and checks out as a reliable blocker.
Quarterback Bryce Young may have gotten his top weapon in wideout Tetairoa McMillan in the last draft. So adding a true security blanket at tight end—and an exciting playmaker, at that—could elevate the entire unit.
Second round (59th overall): Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Anthony Hill Jr. was a GAME WRECKER, posting 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, and 9 total pressures against Mississippi State
Potential 1st round pick at LB 👀 pic.twitter.com/w5vsZJvdkr
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) October 28, 2025
Christian Rozeboom is ticketed for free agency and the Panthers need a long-term partner for Trevin Wallace.
Hill is an outstanding run defender with terrific downhill explosiveness that gets him to the backfield quickly. He’d be a key asset to whichever defensive system Carolina runs into 2026.
Third round (No. 79 overall): Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren using every bit of his 6-3 1/2, 210-pound frame to put an exclamation point on his standout senior season.
Will be starting in the NFL next season. pic.twitter.com/jJOaEDkuZ1
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) December 1, 2025
Although Tre’von Moehrig has proven to be a stellar free-agent addition, the backend of the defense still lacks a true ballhawk.
McNeil-Warren fits the profile of what the safety room could use if defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero returns. He has the ability to fit the run from any level while having quality coverage prowess in the secondary.
Fourth round (115th overall): Xavier Scott, CB, Illinois
#Illinois Safety/Nickel Xavier Scott looks like the next in-line ballhawking DB to come from that program. Put together one heck of a game against (8 tackles, 1 sack, 1 FF, 2 INTs), twitchy out of his backpedal and sticky in coverage.
Led the Big Ten in PBUs last season too. pic.twitter.com/OTeFrfq1lC
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) September 10, 2024
Second-year corner Chau Smith-Wade has been a sufficient contributor in the secondary, but there is always room for competition and depth at the nickel.
Scott is a terrific coverage defender with quality athleticism, ball skills and aggression in the run game.
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