The Carolina Panthers believe they are in a position to take the best prospects available in the 2026 NFL Draft. Needs will not come into the equation, especially after winning the NFC South last year and the aggressive moves made by general manager Dan Morgan in free agency.
This flexibility is rare for a team that's been among the bottom feeders for the best part of a decade. Now, nothing is off the table, which makes Carolina among the most fascinating teams to watch in the first round.
Morgan's possibilities are endless. Unfortunately, the Panthers may have kissed goodbye to their chance of drafting stud cornerback Jermod McCoy after his electrifying showing at Tennessee's pro day.
Carolina Panthers are too low to draft Jermod McCoy after his stunning pro day
McCoy's pre-draft process has been shrouded in mystery. His torn ACL was a major red flag that needed alleviation. The defensive back answered his skeptics and more with a dazzling display of athleticism and explosiveness, with NFL teams watching on.
The cornerback blazed a trail with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash, 38-inch vertical jump, and 10-foot, 7-inch broad jump. McCoy looked fluid and explosive during his on-field drills, indicating that he should be able to make an immediate impact for whatever team drafts him.
Sub 4.4 40 for @Jermodmccoy
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) March 31, 2026
First round 🔒
See you at the @nfldraft 📈 pic.twitter.com/8910AdipHQ
This is precisely what McCoy needed to show. And it won't go unnoticed.
The media projections were sketchy before his pro day. McCoy was being tabbed anywhere from No. 10 to the Cincinnati Bengals into the early 20s. Now, he could go inside the top 10 and certainly no lower than No. 15 overall. This would put the Panthers at a disadvantage in their quest to find another capable corner to pair with the elite tandem of Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr.
Morgan may have had something else in mind. McCoy would be a difficult proposition to turn down if he somehow made it to Carolina at No. 19, but there doesn't seem to be much chance of that now. Even so, there will be several other prospects worthy of consideration who could help immediately.
More importantly, the Panthers can play the board as they see fit. Moving up or down couldn't be ruled out, and the prospect at the top of their board will be chosen. It's the platform Morgan worked hard to attain, and a strong draft could be enough to get Carolina into real contention.
As for McCoy? He may be out of Carolina's reach now, but he silenced his doubters in no uncertain terms. And when the draft begins, pending satisfactory medical assessments, he won't be waiting long to hear his name called.