With the 2026 NFL Draft just around the corner, the Carolina Panthers and general manager Dan Morgan are now beginning to prepare for the big day.

One of the most important events leading up to the upcoming draft will be the 2026 NFL Combine, as the front office and coaching staff will have the opportunity to watch some of the top prospects next week. As for Panthers’ fans, however, there are a couple of names to keep a close eye on at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Here are three players to keep track of during the 2026 NFL Combine:

Depending on the severity of current left tackle Ikem Ekwonu’s injury, the Panthers must consider selecting his replacement within the 2026 NFL Draft.

Luckily for Morgan, Utah’s Caleb Lomu could fill that void at pick No. 19. Throughout his three years with the Utes, Lomu allowed just eight quarterback hits and two sacks, while also not allowing a single sack this past season. The highly touted lineman is widely considered to be one of the better pass blockers in the class, and his testing numbers will determine whether or not he will be available in round one for Carolina.

Lomu has displayed terrific athleticism on tape this past season, which means his testing numbers will be important for his draft stock come April.

Looking at some of the primary needs on the defensive side of the ball for Carolina, the starting unit could greatly benefit from an additional pass rusher alongside 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton.

Clemson’s TJ Parker, prior to the 2025 college football season, was one of the top prospects heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, but his draft stock took a massive dip after a sharp decline in his production last year. However, Parker’s elite combination of size and athleticism could help regain stock before the draft, making his testing numbers even more important leading up to the big day.

Pairing Scourton with a dynamic, yet raw pass rusher would make for a terrific one-two punch on the defensive line in 2026.

One of the best-kept secrets heading into the Combine is Mississippi State’s Brenen Thompson, who could easily walk away as the biggest winner from the event.

At 5-foot-9, 170 lbs., Thompson has a small frame, but makes up for his lack of size with his blazing-fast speed. Many NFL Draft analysts believe he will have the fastest 40-yard dash time and could even break the combine record next week.

If Thompson runs as expected, the electric playmaker could land on the radar of many scouts and would be an excellent addition to the Panthers’ wide receiver corps. Thompson is coming off an incredible season with the Bulldogs, recording 57 catches for 1,054 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

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