Carolina Panthers 2026 mock draft 5.0: Post-free agency edition

Updated March 23, 2026, 6:48 a.m. ET

Just as he did to ball carriers during his playing days, Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan ran down his targets in free agency with aggression.

The former Pro Bowl linebacker and his front office began by wrapping up two of the market’s very top defenders on the first day of the legal tampering period. Then, while bringing back handfuls of their own depth from 2025, they tracked down the top left tackle on an absolute bargain.

Morgan, who recapped his work this past Friday, told reporters that the team’s signings have now set them up rather nicely for the 2026 NFL Draft.

“We were able to retain a lot of our own, go outside the building and sign some free agents that we’re really excited about,” Morgan stated. “Having that depth and frontline players that we added in free agency—I think it gives us a lot of flexibility headed into the draft to draft the best available player.”

So, how will Morgan and company follow up their free-agent frenzy?

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

Here is our latest mock draft for the Panthers . . .

First round (No. 23 overall, via PHI): Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Trade: Carolina receives No. 23 and No. 98; Philadelphia receives No. 19

Through his two drafts at the helm, Morgan has proven that he doesn’t stay put much. Here, we take up an offer from an often-aggressive Eagles front office, moving back just four spots and picking up a backend third-round pick in the process.

That sets us up to fill the one big need that the Panthers did not address over the past two weeks—the slot cornerback position. Terrell is a Day 1 starter from the inside, an area that’s become considerably important to cover given the prevalence of 11 personnel.

He’s a smooth playmaker who can not only fill that role, but he’s also a versatile back who can provide some depth—if needed—for Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Carolina certainly could’ve used a presence like Terrell in their wild-card round loss to the Los Angeles Rams, who were able to pick apart a Horn-less secondary in the final moments of a close game.

Second round (No. 37 overall, via NYG): Max Iheanachor, OT, Arizona State

Trade: Carolina receives No. 37; New York receives No. 51 and No. 83

Now it’s Morgan’s turn to make a jump—and he does it for one of the most promising offensive linemen in the draft.

Iheanachor possesses eye-opening agility and athleticism at his impressive 6-foot-6, 321-pound frame. Although he’s considered a touch raw, the second-team All-Big 12 selection just feels like a stud in waiting.

That could work perfectly for the Panthers, who are expected to start the newly-signed Rasheed Walker at left tackle and continue with 10th-year veteran Taylor Moton on the right. Iheanachor could marinate in 2026 and take over for Moton, whose release after the season would clear up $14.5 million in salary cap space, in 2027 and beyond.

Third round (No. 98 overall, via PHI): Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia

Delp is a highly-intriguing prospect in a pretty deep tight end class. He has solid length at 6-foot-5, plays with soft hands and shows some startling burst after the catch.

Carolina’s offense needs to add a dynamic pass catcher, and that’s something they haven’t had at the tight end position since Greg Olsen.

Fourth round (No. 119 overall): Kaleb Proctor, DL, Southeastern Louisiana

Proctor might be a tad undersized at 6-foot-2 and 291 pounds, but his game is wide-ranging. He has explosive get-off, he can disrupt the passer and he’s reliable against the run.

After releasing veteran lineman A’Shawn Robinson, the Panthers could look to bulk back up on the defensive trench.

Fifth round (No. 158 overall, via MIN): Jager Burton, C, Kentucky

Carolina also said their goodbyes to starting center Cade Mays, who motored over to the Detroit Lions on a three-year pact.

While they’ve since signed Luke Fortner to a one-year agreement, the Panthers create some competition with a promising hog molly in Burton.

Fifth round (No. 159 overall): Bryce Boettcher, ILB, Oregon

Reeling in Pro Bowler Devin Lloyd on a three-year, $42 million deal might’ve been the best move in all of free agency. But the defense could stand to use another starter, or more depth at the very least, for their inside linebacker spot.

Boettcher might be able to challenge 2024 third-rounder Trevin Wallace to claim the job next to Lloyd.

Carolina Panthers 2026 mock draft 5.0: Post-free agency edition

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