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EspañolThe Carolina Panthers got themselves some up-close looks at potential draft picks this past week in Indianapolis. And now that the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine is officially wrapped up, the organization probably has a better idea of who they'll be trying to call in April.
But who do the experts see them going with going out of Indy?
Here's our post-combine mock draft roundup for the Panthers . . .
USA Today Sports
Pick: Peter Woods, DL, Clemson
Author: Nate Davis
Take: A gifted player who has yet to approach his maximum potential, something of a microcosm of the NFC South champions. Woods would certainly upgrade a D-line anchored by Derrick Brown, whose own ability and leadership could also help to fully unlock the All-ACC performer.
ESPN
Pick: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Author: Mel Kiper Jr.
Take: The Panthers took a leap forward last season, but the pass rush is still lagging behind. Their 30 sacks tied for the third fewest in the NFL, and their 26.6% pressure rate was second lowest. I liked what I saw out of second-round rookie Nic Scourton (five sacks), but Carolina needs more. Faulk is a people mover, and although he managed only two sacks last season, he had seven in 2024. If defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero can unlock Faulk's potential, this pick could look like a steal in a few years.
NFL Media
Pick: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Author: Daniel Jeremiah
Take: Faulk has the versatility to rush from the inside and outside. Pairing him with Nic Scourton gives Carolina some fresh legs up front.
NFL Media
Pick: Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Author: Lance Zierlein
Take: Young is currently a better run defender than pass rusher, but he's also a big culture player. Missouri coaches say the relentless edge practices like he's in the middle of a game.
Yahoo Sports
Pick: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Author: Nate Tice
Take: The Panthers could look to help out their trenches on both sides of the ball here, but they sorely need impact defensive players. Allen can be that solidifying force in the front seven who could help this defense finally step out of the doldrums. Allen’s intelligence, quickness, and overall two-way ability would help the Panthers shore up against the run and pass, while also having some blitzing juice to fit into coordinator Ejiro Evero’s defensive funkiness.
CBS Sports
Pick: Kadyn Proctor, OL, Alabama
Author: Ryan Wilson
Take: This isn't the Panthers' biggest need, but it's also unclear when LT Ikem Ekwonu will be fully recovered from a late-season knee injury, and he's entering the final year of his rookie deal. Proctor, meanwhile, is a built-in-a-lab specimen who can take over games when he's focused.
Pro Football Focus
Pick: CJ Allen, LB, Georgia
Author: Trevor Sikkema
Take: Allen had a quiet combine, as he did not test while a lot of other linebackers were making headlines, but he remains one of the more promising three-down linebackers in the class. He possesses mid-first-round talent and could be the green-dot middle linebacker for the Panthers in year one.
Sports Illustrated
Pick: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Author: Justin Melo
Take: The Carolina Panthers should continue building their defensive line after spending two mid-round picks at EDGE last year. Akheem Mesidor would be a worthy selection at No. 19 overall. Mesidor enjoyed a breakout campaign at Miami in 2025, registering 12.5 sacks. He rushes the passer with power, speed, and a relentless motor.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers mock draft roundup 4.0: Tracking the latest 2026 projections