Here are the top three prospects the Carolina Panthers must consider in the 2026 NFL Draft cycle.

With the 2025 NFL season in full-swing, the Carolina Panthers now have three games under their belt to accurately assess each position for the future.

Despite starting the season with a 1-2 record, there has been multiple positives so far this year, including the connection between quarterback Bryce Young and 2025 first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan. However, it still remains clear that there are some glaring holes in the lineup, making it important for general manager Dan Morgan to have a successful 2026 draft class.

Here are some of the biggest names that the Panthers must keep an eye on during the 2025 college football season.  

1. Rueben Bain Jr. (EDGE, Miami)

Outside of Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, there isn't a more sure-fire prospect in the 2026 draft class than Miami's star EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.

After only playing in nine games last season for the Hurricanes, Bain has already solidified himself as one of the best defensive lineman in the upcoming draft cycle. Through four games this season, the junior pass rusher has tallied 15 quarterback hurries, three sacks and a pass-rush win rate of 28.9 percent, according to PFF.

At 6-foot-3, 275 lbs., Bain continues to put on a clinic every weekend and has been a key reason for Miami's undefeated start this season. If Carolina does manage to land a top-five pick in the 2026 draft, Morgan could be in the running for the star in the making.

The Panthers selected two EDGE rushers on day two of the 2025 draft in Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. And while Scourton is beginning to show flashes, Bain could become the team's top pass rusher while giving support to defensive tackle Derrick Brown.

2. Keldric Faulk (EDGE, Auburn)

Luckily for Morgan and the organization, there is a nice consolation prize if they are unable to land Bain.

Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk is another defensive prospect that has made noise throughout the 2025 season, as he's racked up 12 quarterback hurries and two sacks through four games. This includes a terrific outing against the Oklahoma Sooners in week four, finishing with one tackle for a loss, one sack and one pass deflection.

While Faulk may not have as high of a ceiling as Bain, there are still plenty of qualities to his game that could translate to the NFL level. His size (6-foot-6, 285 lbs.) allows him to bull rush through opposing pass protections, while also not limiting his mobility. If Morgan does miss out on Bain, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero could still use a hard-nose pass rusher like Faulk in his front four unit.

3. Eric Singleton Jr. (WR, Auburn)

Looking at the other side of the ball for the Tigers, wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. makes perfect sense for an offense that lacks talented pass catchers outside of McMillan.

The junior playmaker has quickly established himself as a real threat from the slot alongside sophomore star Cam Coleman. In his first four games with Auburn, Singleton recorded 22 catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns, while also coming off an impressive 9 catch, 60-yard performance in week four against the Sooners.

With McMillan already shinning through three games, it's clear that the Panthers do not need another first-round wide receiver. However, veteran receiver Hunter Renfrow is on a one-year deal, thus making Singleton a great replacement at the slot position, while letting 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette get another year to prove himself on the outside.

Carolina could also use their second-round pick to bolster the offensive line, with Northwestern's Caleb Tiernan and Florida's Austin Barber being two viable choices. However, the Panthers did pick up 2022 first-round pick Ikem Ekwonu's fifth-year option, which means the team's current left tackle will be back for another season in 2026. This gives Morgan the opportunity to address the slot position while allowing Ekwonu to prove himself in a contract year.