Carolina Panthers draft Kingston Lopa
- Safety | California Bears
- Round No. 22 | Pick No. 51
The Carolina Panthers have two impressive young safeties in Lathan Ransom and Zakee Wheatley. Both look capable of productive careers with the franchise, and their talent should handle any scheme changes the new defensive coordinator makes next year.
Nick Scott is a free agent, and now that Ejiro Evero is gone, he's unlikely to get another go-around. Tre'von Moehrig has underperformed this season, so he could be cut as part of cost-cutting measures.
Either way, the team should consider adding another safety through the draft, regardless of whether Moehrig stays. Kingston Lopa is one of the top prospects entering the draft this year, boasting the violent tendencies and athletic skills that look tailor-made for the NFL.
At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, Lopa is a unique prospect at defensive back. He's quick, fluid in his movements, and highly aggressive against the run. There are some boom-or-bust moments in coverage, but those are easily coachable.
Carolina Panthers draft Vicari Swain
- Cornerback | South Carolina Gamecocks
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 83
Adding another cornerback is essential for the Panthers at some point in the 2027 draft. Injuries have decimated the unit this season, exposing their lack of legitimate depth at the worst possible time.
Losing Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. to long-term injuries in the same game was a devastating setback. Will Lee III left their contest against the Green Bay Packers with a hamstring injury, which could also sideline him. Nobody else inspires confidence, so it'll be interesting to see what decisions are made.
Jackson is out of contract next year. If he doesn't return, that makes this need even graver. And if Vicari Swain is still around when the Panthers go on the clock in Round 3, they need to have a conversation.
Swain has excellent body control. He thrives in press coverage, mirrors receivers well, and has the ball skills needed to secure turnovers. If the South Carolina product improves his consistency, he's sure to have a successful NFL career.
Carolina Panthers draft Bryant Wesco Jr.
- Wide Receiver | Clemson Tigers
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 120
The Panthers have never drafted a Clemson player in franchise history. That will change at some point, and the Tigers have some good prospects coming in the 2027 draft.
Tettairooa McMillan and Jalen Coker are the top wide receiver tandem. They are one of the league's brightest young duos, but the Panthers could use another productive option to help them do even more on offense.
Xavier Legette has barely featured this season due to injury, and he is starting to look like a lost cause. John Metchie III, David Moore, and Brycen Tremayne might not be around next season, and there is no telling how much Chris Brazzell II can help after his season-ending knee injury at training camp.
More is needed. The Panthers like bigger receivers, and even though he is not the finished product just yet, Bryant Wesco Jr. is a risk well worth taking at this stage of the selection process.
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