The college football season is officially underway. And while the draft process might be the furthest thing from fans' minds, that won't be the case within the Carolina Panthers.
General manager Dan Morgan's scouting department will already be devising shortlists, reports, and comprehensive in-person assessments on hundreds of prospects before the pre-draft process begins. There is a long way to go and a lot of football left before then, but the time to rise and fall has arrived.
According to the Pro Football and Sports Network's 2027 mock draft simulator, the Panthers are picking No. 8. This would suggest something has gone very wrong, which would send the rumor mill into warp speed about what the future holds for Carolina.
It's early, but we took a swing at the prospects who might already be on the Panthers' radar in a special four-round mock draft to celebrate the return of college football.
Carolina Panthers' early 2027 mock draft focuses on defense while shaking things up at quarterback
Round No. 1, Pick No. 8
David Stone, DL, Oklahoma Sooners
Derrick Brown is the only sure thing on Carolina's defensive front. Tershawn Whaeton is a cut candidate next year, and the same goes for Bobby Brown III. Second-round rookie Lee Hunter and Cam Jackson have promise, but both are unproven.
Improvement starts in the trenches. And if the Panthers got the chance to pair David Stone's game-wrecking credentials with Brown, that could be a difficult proposition to turn down.
Round No. 2, Pick No. 40
Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama Crimson Tide
Mike Jackson Sr. is a free agent and may not return in 2027. Will Lee III and Chau Smith-Wade could improve, but there is just no telling for sure. That would leave Jaycee Horn as the only viable starting option, which is unacceptable.
The Panthers might look to replace Jackson with someone cheaper in the draft. Zabien Brown's early production at Alabama makes him an intriguing early-round prospect who could go much higher with a strong 2025 season.
Round No. 3, Pick No. 72
Chris Cole, LB, Georgia Bulldogs
The Panthers signed Devin Lloyd in free agency, but there remain concerns about the linebacker spot alongside him. Trevin Wallace was waived after two seasons, and Morgan is hoping that Bobby Okereke can provide some short-term relief after signing just hours before final cuts.
A longer-term solution is required at some stage. Chris Cole has the explosiveness and three-level impact that won't go unnoticed by Morgan in the coming months.
Round No. 4, Pick No. 107
Darian Mensah, QB, Miami Hurricanes
If the Panthers are picking No. 8 in next year's draft, chances are that Bryce Young's season hasn't gone according to plan. And this might be enough to prompt Morgan and head coach Dave Canales to take drastic action.
Young still has one year remaining on his deal after 2026, but a contract extension hasn't been agreed upon as yet. It's a wait-and-see scenario, but identifying a talented prospect from the college ranks should be considered to at least turn up the heat on the Alabama product.
Darian Mensah is among the more intriguing college players this season. He's transferred to Miami after standout stints with Tulane and Duke. The athletic measurables are there, so if he can still deliver exceptional performances with higher competition and greater pressure on his shoulders, the Heisman Trophy candidate could be much more than a fourth-round pick.
Round No. 4, Pick No. 111
Earl Little Jr., S, Ohio State Buckeyes
Tre'von Moehrig is the tone-setting safety. Lathan Ransom and Zakee Wheatley have upside, but whether they can become productive starters is undetermined. There is also Nick Scott, who's done well to carve out a role for himself but is nothing more than serviceable in another contract year.
Someone like Earl Little Jr. complements Moehrig well. He can get around the football and is an asset in coverage, making him a prospect to watch during the campaign.
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