NFL Draft 2026 Review: Carolina Panthers

The good news for Panthers fans is that Carolina ended up winning the NFC South Division on the last week of the NFL regular season. The concerning news for Carolina fans that the Panthers ended up with an 8-9 record.

Carolina's feat of winning a division with a losing record is only the fifth time in NFL history during a non-strike season. The Panthers are the only franchise to accomplish this achievement twice with Carolina also winning the division with a losing record back in 2014.

Carolina will look to build upon last season by securing a winning record this season. However, the Panthers must seek to correct their consistency problems. Carolina had some very good weeks during the season where they defeated the Packers and the Rams. However, there were four weeks last season where the team scored ten or less points.

Fortunately, the Panthers had the NFL Draft last month so that they can fill some holes throughout the team.

Round 1, Pick 19: Monroe Freeling - OT - Georgia. 6'7", 315 lbs.

Freeling has the height and the size to be an effective offensive tackle for several years in the NFL. He will compete for a starting spot at either tackle spot this season.

Round 2, Pick 17: Lee Hunter - DT - Texas Tech. 6'3", 318 lbs. (41 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble).

Hunter is very effective against the run. He averaged 10 tackles for loss over his past three seasons in college. He should see plenty of time within the Panthers defensive tackle rotation, which should be among one of the best DT rotations in the NFL once again for this season.

Round 3, Pick 19: Chris Brazzell II - WR - Tennessee. 6'4", 198 lbs (62 receptions, 1,017 yds, 16.4 yds/rec, 9 TD).

The Panthers needed to add a deep threat to the roster due to having only one wide receiver going over 500 yards in receiving last season (1,014 yds for Tetairoa McMillan). Brazzell II has the ability to run deep routes well along with the height to outjump defenders on long balls and in the red zone.

Round 4, Pick 29: Will Lee III - CB - Texas A&M. 6'1", 189 lbs (50 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 8 pass deflections).

Lee III will add depth to the cornerback room. He should see some time lining up against taller receivers due to his size.

Round 5, Pick 4: Sam Hecht - C - Kansas State. 6'4", 303 lbs.

Hecht was a three-year starter in college. He will add depth to the interior of the offensive line with the potential to start at either center or guard.

Round 5, Pick 11: Zakee Wheatley - S - Penn State. 6'3", 203 lbs (74 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 INT, 1 pass deflection, 1 fumble recovery).

Wheatley adds even more depth at the safety position. His height will be an asset in guarding against taller receivers and TE's.

Round 7, Pick 11: Jackson Kuwatch - LB - Miami (OH). 6'4", 235 lbs (109 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 1 pass deflection).

His tackling ability and his ability to get to the quarterback are intriguing enough to add Kuwatch to the roster at his measureables.

Overview: Prioritizing the trenches will help stabilize the Panthers to have more consistency this season. Getting a receiver that can go deep was an absolute must in this Draft, so Brazzell II will be a key to how much better the Carolina offense can become. Not drafting a pass rusher when DT Derrick Brown led the Panthers in sacks with five was egregious. Grade: C+.

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