Dan Morgan laid out his stall immediately upon becoming the Carolina Panthers general manager in 2024. He wanted to build through the draft, and even though things are far from perfect just yet, there is definite growth being displayed by this perennial struggler.
The Panthers won eight games. They won the NFC South to secure their first playoff spot since 2017. Although head coach Dave Canales' squad couldn't beat the Los Angeles Rams, they pushed them all the way, winning respect from around the league for good measure.
One could argue that the Panthers are ahead of schedule right now, but Morgan isn't satisfied. The front-office leader knows what is needed to take things up a notch, and he's already outlined his intent to be aggressive in his quest to get Carolina over the hump.
Fans are dreaming of a potential trade splash or free-agent splurge, but Morgan will continue to identify the college ranks as the best way to achieve sustainable growth. And the Panthers have eight selections throughout the process to find difference-makers and bolster depth.
Using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, we took a look at how the Panthers might approach their selections in our first seven-round mock draft of the 2026 cycle.
Carolina Panthers 7-round 2026 NFL mock draft after a successful campaign
Carolina Panthers draft Francis Mauigoa
- Offensive Line | Miami Hurricanes
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 19
Dan Morgan hasn't drafted an offensive lineman in his two previous drafts. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically after a devastating injury to starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu.
The blindside mauler ruptured his patellar tendon against the Los Angeles Rams. Depending on his recovery, Ekwonu looks set to miss most or all of the 2026 campaign. Taylor Moton is highly productive but aging. This looks like a good opportunity for the Carolina Panthers to solidify the offensive line, and it might even come early in the draft process.
If Francis Mauigoa made it this far down the pecking order, it would be a difficult proposition to turn down. The Miami prospect might not have the prototypical length associated with premier offensive tackles, but you wouldn't know it. His pass protection is exceptional, which is matched by a strong base on running plays and enough athleticism to make a difference at the second level when opportunities arise.
Mauigoa can play either tackle with ease. This makes him a short-term replacement for Ekwonu and a potential long-term successor to Moton. And if fans don't think this is possible in the first round, they haven't been paying close enough attention.
Carolina Panthers draft Cashius Howell
- Edge Rusher | Texas A&M Aggies
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 51
Dan Morgan has hinted at his dissatisfaction with the Carolina Panthers' inability to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season. He also stated that this will be among his top priorities when the recruitment period commences.
With two inexperienced players, Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, representing the now and the future, we'll work on the idea that the Panthers will add a veteran in free agency. But even if Morgan does that, adding another explosive force from the college ranks wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Cashius Howell makes a ton of sense here. He was highly productive at Texas A&M in 2025, gaining 11.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss through his unique blend of size, explosiveness, and bend. He's also got experience at the linebacker spot and as a 3-technique on the interior. That sort of versatility should intrigue several teams during the pre-draft process.
Carolina Panthers draft Omar Cooper Jr.
- Wide Receiver | Indiana Hoosiers
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 83
The Panthers are going to pick up Bryce Young's fifth-year option. What comes after that remains uncertain, so the Panthers must continue to improve the weapons at their disposal in the passing game before a crucial Year 4 of their professional career.
Tetairoa McMillan, last year's first-round pick, is a superstar. The Panthers would be wise to extend Jalen Coker long-term after firmly cementing his status as the No. 2 option. Xavier Legette is struggling to meet expectations. Drafting another receiver — preferably with yards after the catch promise — should be considered.
That's where Omar Cooper Jr. comes in. The wideout has played a leading role in Indiana's dominant fairytale run throughout the college football playoffs. He's drawing comparisons to Deebo Samuel Sr. coming out of college, and it's not hard to see why.
The versatile pass-catcher is explosive, physical, and thrives with the football in his hands. That is precisely what the Panthers need to complement what they already have.
Carolina Panthers draft Lander Barton
- Linebacker | Utah Utes
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 119
The Panthers need a rethink at the defensive second level. Christian Rozeboom and Trevin Wallace formed a serviceable duo, but the depth behind them was non-existent. And being a former linebacker himself, that won't go unnoticed by general manager Dan Morgan.
Again, we are projecting that Carolina will find a productive starter in free agency. Even so, acquiring a promising prospect with long-term upside should also be considered. Nothing else will do after so much shifting around with journeymen and players pulled off the street.
Lander Barton is a bruising force with ample starting experience at Utah. While he's never quite matched his freshman heights, he's a dependable run stopper with enough explosiveness to get after the quarterback and discipline to hold his own in coverage.
Barton must improve his ability to get off blocks, but this looks like a solid rotational option who could progress into a productive starter over time.
Carolina Panthers draft Domani Jackson
Cornerback | Alabama Crimson Tide
Round No. 5 | Pick No. 157
The Carolina Panthers have a strong cornerback tandem to spearhead their secondary in 2026. Jaycee Horn earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection. Mike Jackson Sr. put together a breakout campaign that even saw All-Pro votes come his way. That represents a solid foundation, but another productive presence should also be considered.
Even though Domani Jackson's consistency has never matched his athletic upside, he's worth taking a chance on at this stage of the draft. There are lapses in concentration that must be addressed, but the Alabama prospect looks like an absolute steal if he manages to put it all together.
Carolina Panthers draft Wydett Williams Jr.
- Safety | Ole Miss Rebels
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 161
The Panthers got exactly what they wanted from free-agent signing Tre'von Moehrig on the back end of their defense. Lathan Ransom demonstrated promise as a rookie. But with veteran Nick Scott out of contract, Carolina must identify another development project who could potentially carve out a role for himself much sooner than expected.
Wydett Williams Jr.'s influence on Ole Miss' defense should not be understated. He's instinctive, physical, and has all the athletic intangibles needed to be impactful with a little extra technical refinement. If he's there for the taking in the fifth round, it could be an instant upgrade on Carolina's safety depth.
Carolina Panthers draft Ahmad Moten
- Defensive Line | Miami Hurricanes
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 198
Carolina's defensive front became a real asset this season. Derrick Brown returned from injury and didn't miss a beat. Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III both flashed promise. A'Shawn Robinson looked a lot more comfortable with better options around him. And even Day 3 rookie Cam Jackson did enough to suggest more growth could be on the way in the coming years.
The Panthers shouldn't settle. Adding some extra depth with a prospect like Miami standout Ahmad Moten — an immovable force against the run who offers two-down starting upside — is a potential route Carolina could take once other needs are filled.
Carolina Panthers draft Bryce Foster
- Center | Kansas Jayhawks
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 235
The Panthers' offensive line has some questions on the interior. Cade Mays, Brady Christensen, and Austin Corbett are all out of contract. Dan Morgan kept all three around last spring, but they may not be as fortunate this time around.
Mays would be the likeliest candidate to get a new deal. He's also dealt with some injury problems throughout his career, so finding a backup center with room to grow in the later rounds may be contemplated by Carolina's decision makers.
Bryce Foster ticks those boxes. And as far as seventh-round crapshoots go, the Panthers could do a lot worse than the Kansas prospect.