May 10, 2026, 8:30 a.m. ET<\/p>\n
The Carolina Panthers<\/a> supposedly won the offseason, with one analyst describing it as a “monster” showing, and Pro Football Focus going so far as to name them “offseason champions.”<\/a><\/p>\n Despite all the evident improvements, some analysts and models remain completely unconvinced that this team is anything but a pushover that won a bad division.<\/p>\n The Athletic has a new projection model<\/a> out that ranks all 32 rosters around the NFL. The Los Angeles Rams<\/a>, Seattle Seahawks<\/a> and Buffalo Bills<\/a> took the top three spots, but the Panthers roster only came in at 25th:<\/p>\n The Panthers might pick up Bryce Young’s inexpensive fifth-year option, but I’m almost certain he’s not worthy of a long-term contract… Their wide receivers and offensive tackles are in solid shape with young talent. But their edge rushers and defensive line rank 23rd and 19th, respectively \u2014 that’s not going to get it done. Even though the cornerbacks room (No. 8) is strong, it won’t matter much given the state of that pass rush.<\/p>\n While there are some fair points made here, ranking Carolina’s roster 25th is entirely too harsh\u2014even if you think outside linebacker Jaelen Phillips will never get another sack again. Nic Scourton flashed a ton of potential as a rookie and should help boost the Panthers’ pass rush\u2014and if Princely Umanmielen can follow suit, it will be a far better dynamic.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n The Panthers also added an excellent run stuffer in the draft with Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter, who should help free up Derrick Brown to be even more disruptive than usual. Carolina’s off-ball linebacker room is also improved thanks to the addition of Pro Bowler Devin Lloyd, whose presence should help stabilize the entire defense.<\/p>\n