Jan. 31, 2026, 5:45 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
We are now one step closer to the 2026 NFL Draft, as this year\u2019s Senior Bowl<\/a> 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\u2014who held off the National Team, 17-9.<\/p>\n So, which prospects from this year’s event could intrigue the Carolina Panthers<\/a> later on in the spring?<\/p>\n Using strictly Senior Bowl participants, let’s run through a fresh seven-round mock for the reigning NFC South champions . . .<\/p>\n First round (No. 19 overall): T.J. Parker, EDGE, Clemson<\/p>\n 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\u2019re also aware that their team\u2019s pass rush has been almost non-existent<\/a> for the last few years, so this should be a welcomed first.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n Parker\u2019s 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\u2014his big build, raw power and high motor would give Carolina\u2019s staff plenty to work with.<\/p>\n Second round (No. 51 overall): Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State<\/p>\n 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\u2014and it might\u2019ve, after Horn\u2019s early exit in the wild-card round<\/a>, cost them a playoff win.<\/p>\n 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\u2019 highest coverage grade (92.4) in 2025. And at six-feet and 185 pounds, he may even fit the bill as Carolina\u2019s starting nickel\u2014a spot the team has struggled to address.<\/p>\n Third round (No. 83 overall): Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech<\/p>\n Speaking of spots that\u2019ve 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n Over the last two seasons, he\u2019s 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\u2019s Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award and Chuck Bednarik Award.<\/p>\n Fourth round (No. 119 overall): Jude Bowry, OT, Boston College<\/p>\n Between the uncertainty surrounding left tackle Ikem Ekwonu’s recovery<\/a> from a torn patellar tendon and an aging right tackle in Taylor Moton, the Panthers should look to add a bookend in this draft.<\/p>\n Bowry, 6-foot-4 and 314 pounds, has experience on both sides.<\/p>\n Fifth round (No. 156 overall): Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati<\/p>\n Allen may not profile as the ideal home-run threat<\/a> the Panthers are looking for on offense.\u00a0But he’s proven to be a master at separating, thanks to his speed and smooth footwork.<\/p>\n Fifth round (No. 157 overall): Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Sixth round (No. 199 overall): Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon<\/p>\n The Panthers will need more than just one addition at inside linebacker.\u00a0Boettcher flashed in coverage throughout the week.<\/p>\n Seventh round (No. 235 overall): Taylen Green, QB, Arkansas<\/p>\n Green has impressive size, athleticism and arm talent. If the Panthers are indeed in the market<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n