After a massive week at the 2026 NFL Combine, the Carolina Panthers and general manager Dan Morgan are now set to begin their offseason efforts in the 2026 NFL Draft.

With a total of eight picks in possession of the Panthers, the rising franchise has an excellent opportunity to build off the team’s recent success from the previous season. And while this year’s draft class may lack star power, the group has an ample amount of depth that could help Carolina in the near future.

Here’s what the organization could do in the upcoming draft following the conclusion of the Combine.

The speculations around the Panthers selecting Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq were put to rest last week after his incredible performance at the Combine, as he now projects to be a top-12 pick in the upcoming draft.

Luckily for Morgan and the front office, the organization can now focus on rebuilding the trenches with Auburn’s Keldric Faulk. The 6-foot-6, 267 lbs. mammoth was my choice from the beginning of the season, and now, Carolina has a legitimate chance to land him in round one.

Faulk is an outstanding run defender, but he struggled at times as a true pass rusher with the Tigers in 2025. However, putting the prolific defensive end on the other side of Nic Scourton would help his development, while also giving the Panthers a much-needed additional pass rusher.

Regardless of left tackle Ikem Ekwonu’s health heading into the 2026 season, Carolina must find his replacement due to his contract expiring after next season. So, why not take his successors in the draft this year?

Northwestern’s Caleb Tiernan has plenty of experience at the college level playing the left tackle position, playing 2,427 total snaps throughout three seasons. During that stretch, the 6-foot-7, 325 lbs. tackle allowed a total of seven sacks, making him an excellent pass blocker for quarterback Bryce Young.

One of the biggest takeaways from the Combine was Morgan’s remarks about Carolina’s linebacker group and how it will be a key position that could be addressed this offseason. Fortunately for the Panthers, this year’s class is loaded with high-end linebackers, including Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez.

The most recent Butkus Award-winner, given to the best linebacker at the college level, is coming off an amazing season with the Red Raiders, recording 128 tackles, 11 tackles for losses, seven forced fumbles, and four interceptions. Rodriguez helped solidify himself as a top-100 pick in the upcoming draft with a strong showing at the Combine, and would be the perfect playmaker on defense for the Panthers in 2026.

Round Four, Pick No. 119: Nadame Tucker (EDGE, Western Michigan)

Round Five, Pick No. 156: De’Zhaun Stribling (WR, Ole Miss)

Round Five, Pick No. 157: Jalon Kilgore (CB, South Carolina)

Round Six, Pick No. 199: Zxavian Harris (IDL, Ole Miss)

Round Seven, Pick No. 235: Cole Payton (QB, NDSU)