Dan Morgan has put the Carolina Panthers in a strong position before the 2026 NFL Draft. There are very few concerning needs to fill, giving the general manager the freedom to be flexible with the No. 19 overall selection.
Everything and anything is possible. Trading back for more assets couldn't be dismissed. If the Panthers see a prospect high on their board who is slipping lower than anticipated, Morgan may even consider a bold trade-up to acquire his preferred choice.
This was a scenario discussed in greater depth by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. But the eventual choice was nothing short of baffling.
Carolina Panthers projected to trade up for edge rusher Akheem Mesidor in new mock draft
The respected analyst had the Panthers moving up to No. 14 overall in a deal with the Baltimore Ravens. But with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy, and Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq still on the board, Zierlein had Carolina taking Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor in his latest mock draft instead.
"Carolina moves ahead of Tampa, New York and Detroit, three teams that need edge help, to grab a plug-and-play pass rusher with a deep bag of tricks and relentless motor."
Mesidor is a good prospect with the potential to succeed. Nobody is disputing that, but this makes absolutely no sense from Carolina's perspective, and certainly not with a trade up the order.
The Panthers spent lavish sums to acquire edge rusher Jaelan Phillips on a four-year, $120 million deal with $80 million guaranteed. Morgan traded up twice on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft for Nic Scourtoon and Princely Umanmielen, who both flashed during their rookie seasons. Patrick Jones II is also under contract for one more season, so the pass-rush is not exactly a pressing priority with four quality options to call upon.
Of course, nothing should be dismissed. Mesidor might be a good prospect who can hit the ground running immediately. Considering his age, that's precisely what any team that drafts him will be demanding.
If the Panthers had this sort of scenario, moving up for Downs or Sadiq would be a much more tempting proposition. McCoy is also a good player, but the chances of him being around are remote after his scintillating pro day. Either way, the edge room cannot be the primary focus after some hefty investments in recent years.
It would be surprising if Mesidor didn't go in the first round, despite the fact that he will be 25 by the draft. College players are entering the league much later due to NIL, so this is becoming increasingly common. But from the Panthers' perspective, they should turn their attentions elsewhere.
Now, if the Panthers get the chance to trade up for Downs, McCoy, Sadiq, or even a wide receiver like Jordyn Tyson, it's a different story. But it should not be for Mesidor.