Roster Revolution?

It has been a while, but with the NFL Draft just around the corner, it’s time to get some thoughts down on paper. The Panthers handled business in free agency, addressing major roster holes and shoring up depth across the board. The Panthers did what they had to do in free agency—now it’s about drafting players who will make an impact in 2026 and 2027. This draft is about building for the future just as much as it is about improving the present.

Now comes the opportunity to add a dynamic playmaker and elevate the overall talent level, especially at the bottom of the roster. Whether it’s Jalon Walker out of Georgia, Tyler Warren from Penn State, or a potential trade-back scenario, Carolina is in a strong position to improve. One clear area of need remains: a defensive playmaker in the back seven. With the 8th overall pick, they have the chance to land a difference-maker—and then circle back in the second round to grab a safety who can contribute early.

Beyond the top picks, the rest of the draft is about stacking depth and building a competitive 53-man roster. In a grueling 17-game season, depth isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The nucleus of a strong team is built between rounds 2 and 5, and fortunately, the Panthers have the draft capital to do just that.