Carolina Panthers 53-man roster prediction: Defense
Defensive line (5): Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown III, Lee Hunter, Cam Jackson, Aaron Hall
The Carolina Panthers' defensive front is still without Tershawn Wharton, who suffered a neck injury that required surgery. Just when he'll be back is anyone's guess, but the coaching staff cannot afford anyone else to get hurt.
Derrick Brown will lead the charge as Carolina's best overall player. Bobby Brown III will have an important role to play, and the Panthers have two other players capable of logging meaningful reps: second-year pro Cam Jackson and second-round rookie Lee Hunter.
That might only leave one spot for the rest. Dependable options are thin on the ground, so a chance is taken on undrafted free agent Aaron Hall.
Outside linebackers (5): Jaelan Phillips, Patrick Jones II, Princely Umanmielen, Thomas Incoom, Cam Gill
If there was one positive to take from Carolina's preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills, it was on the defensive edge. They generated consistent pressure, and even without the services of Nic Scourton, hopes are high heading into the new campaign.
Jaelan Phillips leads the way. Patrick Jones II has experience and is a well-rounded edge force. Princely Umanmielen's progress is reason for encouragement, and he could be a breakout candidate with more involvement.
They will need more. Thomas Incoom's special-teams prowess should be enough to earn him a spot on the team. Trevis Gipson has similar skills, but it might be worth taking a swing on Cam Gill, who is riding on the crest of a wave right now.
Linebackers (4): Devin Lloyd, Claudin Cherelus, Trevin Wallace, Jackson Kuwatch
There is a competition for the starting LB2 spot next to Devin Lloyd, who caught the eye with flashes of quality versus the Bills. It does seem too close to call between Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus right now, but both should make the 53-man roster unless another option is sought from the waiver wire.
This group's hopes of becoming a factor rely almost squarely on Lloyd. He's the dominant presence who earned second-team All-Pro honors with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. His size, athleticism, and instinctiveness in coverage have been as advertised, so this could be a tremendous piece of business.
Seventh-round rookie Jackson Kuwatch has flashed enough to make the team. And that might be enough.
Cornerbacks (6): Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson Sr., Will Lee III, Corey Thornton, Chau Smith-Wade, Akayleb Evans
The Panthers' cornerback unit could become an area of strength once again. Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. emerged as an elite tandem in 2025, making it incredibly difficult to pass outside the numbers. They will be critical to the defense's growth, but there is also intrigue around some young options aiming for more involvement.
Corey Thornton looks healthy and could start in the nickel. The Panthers are trying to figure out a way to get fourth-round rookie Will Lee III on the field, and Chau Smith Wade's versatility should see him through. Rounding off the picks is Akayleb Evans, who brings strong special-teams value.
Safeties (4): Tre'von Moehrig, Nick Scott, Lathan Ransom, Zakee Wheatley
Things look pretty locked in at safety, which isn't a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination.
Tre'von Moehrig is the tone-setting force and the true alpha on the defensive back end. Veteran Nick Scott should start alongside him, given how much Ejiro Evero trusts him to come through with the goods. The Panthers also have two impressive youngsters in Lathan Ransom and fifth-round pick Zakee Wheatley, who have both flashed over the preseason so far.
That might be all the Panthers take through initially. And if they need more, Chau Smith-Wade has been working with the group throughout the offseason.
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