Carolina Panthers Land Talented Edge Rusher in 2026 NFL Draft

The Carolina Panthers had a successful 2025 season, ending their playoff drought and winning the NFC South.

The Panthers then made it tough on the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round, as the Rams narrowly escaped with a 34-31 victory. It was their first time in the playoffs since Cam Newton was their quarterback.

It was a season that showed a lot of promise for Carolina, and they will look to build upon it this offseason.

That includes having a great draft to add more young talent to the roster. In The Athletic's latest mock draft article, they have the Panthers taking University of Miami edge rusher Akheem Mesidor with the 19th overall pick.

Carolina is in need of adding to their pass rush, as it was one of their biggest weaknesses in 2025.

Mesidor is coming off an unreal season for the Hurricanes. He posted 63 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. 

Mesidor was one of the key pieces of Miami's defense that led them to the National Championship Game.

He is a talented pass rusher who could help elevate Carolina's defense. However, he will be 25 years old in his rookie season, which will be a concern for teams drafting him. 

If the Panthers look past that and want a player who can add to their pass rush, Mesidor could make sense with the 19th pick. However, if they decide to draft a younger player, no one would blame them.

Carolina is in one of, if not the weakest division in the NFL. The Panthers have a young roster with players like wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. 

It's important for Carolina to have an offseason where they are able to upgrade the roster, as their other talent develops, giving them a chance to repeat as NFC South champions in 2026.

General manager Dan Morgan needs to address the Panthers' pass rush, among other positions of need, this offseason, and they should take a look at Mesidor as an option in the draft.

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