Dan Morgan and other influential figures within the Carolina Panthers are heading to Indianapolis for the annual NFL Scouting Combine. And the general manager is in a stronger position than ever before.
The Panthers have momentum. They are being looked at differently around the league. They won the NFC South and reached the playoffs. There isn't much cash to spend in free agency right now, so if Morgan wants to keep this positivity going, building through the draft is the most deserved approach.
Morgan has seven picks at his disposal. His drafting has been a mixed bag so far, with the 2024 crop failing to meet expectations and the 2025 class hitting the ground running. But a strong set of selections this time around will put the Panthers in an even better position moving forward.
There are needs to fill. The Panthers may have reached the postseason, but Morgan should also know that this team is not one piece away from entering the Super Bowl conversation. They are closer, and a profitable offseason could be enough to take things up a notch.
Using the Pro Football and Sports Network simulator, we took a look at how the Panthers might approach their picks in our pre-combine seven-round mock draft.
Carolina Panthers 7-round mock draft with shocking curveballs before the Combine
Carolina Panthers draft Caleb Lomu
- Offensive Tackle | Utah Utes
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 19
The Carolina Panthers' offseason plans took a seismic shift when starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu ruptured his patellar tendon during their wild-card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. He is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season, and Dan Morgan isn't in a position to wait around.
Carolina needs to find an adequate replacement, and quickly. Looking at the money already tied into the offensive line, don't be shocked if Morgan identifies an edge protector with one of his early selections, potentially in the first round.
Caleb Lomu ticks the boxes. His physical dominance and flexibility make him the perfect left tackle at the next level. He's got the size to create leverage effortlessly, and there is a real ruthless streak in his game that is hard not to love.
Lomu's outstanding 2025 was highlighted by some massive improvements. His ability to recover came on significantly. His power at the initial contact point was overwhelmingly greater. As a result, the Utah prospect is a well-rounded force with Day 1 starting potential.
That is exactly what the Panthers are seeking as an Ekwonu replacement who could potentially become a long-term replacement for Taylor Moton with some position adjustments.
Carolina Panthers draft Omar Cooper Jr.
- Wide Receiver | Indiana Hoosiers
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 51
If the Carolina Panthers spent their first two draft picks on offense, it would be deeply surprising. However, if the right additions are made in free agency, one couldn't entirely dismiss the notion.
The Panthers need to continue building around quarterback Bryce Young. They have two gifted wide receivers in Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, but that won't be enough. If Carolina is looking for another explosive weapon from the collegiate ranks, Omar Cooper Jr. is the sort of fast riser riding on the crest of a wave who could be an absolute steal on Day 2 of the draft.
Cooper starred for Indiana during their dominant run to the national championship. He's an electrifying force with the football in his hands and is a slick route-runner capable of creating separation effortlessly. The wideout is a dynamic pass-catcher who offers something different from what Carolina currently has.
This move gives Young a potentially prolific trio, but what that would mean for Xavier Legette's future is anyone's guess.
Carolina Panthers Deontae Lawson
- Linebacker | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 83
Adding to the linebacking corps is almost guaranteed at some stage. Dan Morgan outlined this desire to improve the group during his recent media availability. Even if this does come via free agency, acquiring a capable long-term presence via the draft could be a definite possibility.
That said, the Panthers need a tone-setting enforcer. They need someone to provide speed and violence against the run. They need someone who can command the defensive second-level and someone with proven experience in high-pressure situations.
Deontae Lawson is an explosive, instinctive athlete. He spots the run, fits well, and has the speed to get to the contact point quickly. The Alabama prospect also holds his own in coverage. With a little extra refinement, he's got the scope to become a total package, and it's the sort of well-rounded player Carolina lacks in its linebacking corps currently.
Carolina Panthers draft Treydan Stukes
- Cornerback | Arizona Wildcats
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 119
The Panthers have an exceptional cornerback tandem. There weren't many better than Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. last season, which makes it incredibly difficult to pass outside the numbers on Ejiro Evero's defense.
Carolina doesn't have enough right now. They need more in the room, especially at the nickel position. Chau Smith-Wade is a maximum-effort player, but the quality can sometimes be lacking. If Dan Morgan can find an adequate upgrade, he should.
Even though Treydan Stukes is a little older than some prospects, it's something NFL teams must get used to. With NIL money more prevalent than ever, college players will stay at the level for longer, knowing they can make more money before taking their chances in the pros. However, the Arizona standout looks tailor-made for Evero's scheme.
Stukes was incredible in 2025. His health problems seem to be behind him, and he is a former teammate of Tetairoa McMillan to sweeten the pot.
Carolina Panthers draft Dontay Corleone
- Defensive Line | Cincinnati Bearcats
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 157
As previously mentioned, the Carolina Panthers have a substantial investment in their trenches on both sides of the football. But there is a need to strengthen, and finding cheaper options via the draft should be prioritized.
The Panthers don't have much money to spend right now. If Dan Morgan decides to cut A'Shawn Robinson to save funds, a replacement will be needed on the interior of Carolina's 3-4 defensive front.
This might be a good time to find a legitimate nose tackle capable of eating up space for others to do damage. Dontay Corleone is an interesting case, but his physical traits and surprising ability to get after quarterbacks in obvious pass-rushing situations make him a risk worth contemplating.
Corleone, nicknamed "The Godfather" for obvious reasons, has a core frame and a strong base that make him difficult to move off the block. That's something the Panthers have craved for years.
Carolina Panthers draft Vincent Anthony Jr.
- Edge Rusher | Duke Blue Devils
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 161
Taking an edge rusher this late in the process may be surprising to some fans. However, with the Panthers already boasting two promising young pass-rushers in Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, general manager Dan Morgan might be looking for a proven veteran in free agency rather than another high-end draft prospect.
This will become clearer in the coming weeks. If the Panthers don't fortify the room in free agency, they could spend one of their opening selections on improving the position. If they manage to sign a prolific option, it shouldn't prevent Morgan from adding to the rotation.
Vincent Anthony Jr. could be a high-value choice here. The Duke prospect flashed pass-rushing capabilities last season en route to 7.5 sacks. He can set the edge against the run and become disruptive. And at 21 years old, he might only be scratching the surface of what he's capable of.
Carolina Panthers draft Jakobe Thomas
- Safety | Miami Hurricanes
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 199
The Panthers could use some fine-tuning in their safety room this offseason. Tre'von Moehrig and Lathan Ransom will have parts to play, but with Nick Scott entering free agency, another option is needed at some stage.
Ransom could develop into a starter. There will be options worth considering on the free-agent market. There is also the possibility of going down the draft route once other, more pressing priorities are solved beforehand.
Carolina may end up taking a safety higher than this. But if Dan Morgan could find someone to help on the back end with their final pick, that would be a massive boost. It could also save them a ton of money along the way.
Someone like Jakobe Thomas has the size and athleticism to potentially impact the rotation immediately. The Miami prospect needs to refine his discipline and tackling technique, but his ball-hawk capabilities make him an intriguing option.