Feb. 2, 2026, 6:31 a.m. ET<\/p>\n
If variety is the spice of life, then our latest mock draft roundup for the Carolina Panthers<\/a> is pretty well-seasoned.<\/p>\n As we move on to February, and away from this year’s Senior Bowl<\/a>, let’s take a look at some of the latest projections for the team’s first-round pick here in 2026 . . .<\/p>\n NFL Media<\/p>\n Pick: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State<\/p>\n Author: Daniel Jeremiah<\/a><\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n Take: The Panthers have a stud in\u00a0Tetairoa McMillan, and I like what I saw from\u00a0Jalen Coker\u00a0at the end of the season, but choosing Tyson would complete the WR room.<\/p>\n NFL Media<\/p>\n Pick: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson<\/p>\n Author: Bucky Brooks<\/a><\/p>\n Take: Finding a disruptive playmate for\u00a0Derrick Brown\u00a0could elevate the Panthers’ defense in 2026. Woods’ athleticism and explosiveness could create problems for opponents attempting to attack between the tackles.<\/p>\n Pro Football Focus<\/p>\n Pick: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn<\/p>\n Author: Dalton Wasserman<\/a><\/p>\n Take: Faulk remains a work in progress as a pass rusher, but his strength and stout run defense would be an asset to Carolina\u2019s defensive front. His 85.5 run-defense grade ranked 12th among qualified FBS edge defenders this season, while the Panthers\u2019 edge unit ranked 22nd in the NFL in run-defense grade. Faulk\u2019s addition would give Carolina an intriguing young group of edge rushers to develop.<\/p>\n CBS Sports<\/p>\n Pick: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama<\/p>\n Author: Ryan Wilson<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Ringer<\/p>\n Pick: Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M<\/p>\n Author: Danny Kelly<\/a><\/p>\n Take: The Panthers added two impact edge rushers in last year\u2019s draft in Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, but that doesn\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Athletic<\/p>\n Pick: Kayden McDonald, DL, Ohio State<\/p>\n Author: Scott Dochterman<\/a><\/p>\n Take: A massive interior defender with both one- and two-gap capabilities, McDonald is an elite run stopper who also would help the Panthers\u2019 pass rush, which finished tied for 28th in production this season. McDonald isn\u2019t necessarily a pass rusher himself, per se, but his presence would allow others to find openings.<\/p>\n Draft Network<\/p>\n Pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC<\/p>\n