Following a heartbreaking loss in the 2025 NFC Wild Card round last week, the Carolina Panthers will now turn their focus to the offseason.

While other teams are on the hunt for a new head coach, general manager Dan Morgan possesses the luxury of not being in that conversation. This means that him and the rest of the front office can prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be a key factor for the future of the franchise.

Here is the first Panthers’ mock draft post-2025 season.

With former 2022 first-round pick Ikem Ekwonu suffering a significant ruptured patellar tendon in the recent playoff game, it’s clear that the Panthers’ offensive line needs to be revamped this offseason.

One of the first ways to help the efforts within the trenches is by selecting Utah’s Caleb Lomu, who showed plenty of promise with the Utes this year. The star left tackle did not allow a single sack during his 12 games played in the 2025 season. While Lomu is still developing his run blocking, the two-year starter has a nice foundation to build on at the next level.

Selecting Lomu gives Carolina more stability on the offensive line, as it remains unclear when Ekwonu will return from injury. And with right tackle Taylor Morton entering his 10th season next year, getting a jump start on the men up front will be a massive help for the Panthers in the long run.

Obviously, Carolina’s pass rush was one of the worst in 2025. Former 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton was a bright spot for the defense last year; however, the Panthers must focus on adding more pieces to the mix before the 2026 season.

Since the organization went on a magical run towards the end of the year, the playoff appearance potentially cost Morgan and the front office an opportunity to select one of the top pass rushers in the upcoming draft. Luckily, Texas Tech defensive end Romello Height remains an intriguing option in the second round.

Height finished his 2025 campaign on a high note, recording 38 tackles, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles during the Red Raiders' playoff run. Pairing Height with Scourton and a veteran from free agency would be an excellent combination.

Earlier this week, Morgan told reporters that he is beginning the process of extending young wide receiver Jalen Coker, who has become a phenomenal playmaker from the slot. However, outside of Coker and rookie Tetairoa McMillan, the Panthers’ offense desperately needs another weapon.

Miami’s CJ Daniels may not have lit up the stat sheet this year, recording 46 catches for 494 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, but he has proven to be a productive receiver throughout his college career. In 2023, Daniels finished with 1,064 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns with the Liberty Flames, and at 6-foot-2, 205 lbs., his frame would be a perfect match on the other side of McMillan.

Taking a wide receiver on day two will be a top priority for Morgan and the front office, as former 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette struggled in his second season with the organization.

Round Four, Pick No. 114: Albert Regis (IDL, Texas A&M)

Round Five, Pick No. 156: Bishop Fitzgerald (SAF, USC)

Round Five, Pick No. 157: Max Llewellyn (EDGE, Iowa)

Round Six, Pick No. 199: Lander Barton (LB, Utah)

Round Seven, Pick No. 232 Reggie Virgil (WR, Texas Tech)