Carolina Panthers NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

After a surprising drive to the top of the NFC South last season, the Panthers keep building up their defense with a rising interior talent. Carolina must do a better job against the run, and McDonald helps in that effort.

General manager Dan Morgan has made no bones about the Panthers' need to improve their pass rush after finishing at or near the bottom of the league in sacks the past three seasons. Mesidor had huge production as a super senior for Morgan's alma mater and was a disruptive force during the College Football Playoff. But the Ontario native is 25, and I immediately experienced buyer's remorse after making this pick because of the age concerns. Georgia linebacker CJ Allen and Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk quickly went off the board after the Panthers picked. I got a little scared off by Faulk's drop in production last season, but the 6-6, 270-pounder has impressive traits and a ton of upside. I'll consider this my warm-up mock and will probably look to go younger in the next one.

Tetairoa McMillan was a hit for the Panthers last year, but they could use a complement for him in the offense, and KC Concepcion feels like a good fit alongside him. He's not huge, but he plays bigger than his size. He reminds me a bit of former Panthers WR Steve Smith.

Faulk has the versatility to rush from the inside and outside. Pairing him with Nic Scourton gives Carolina some fresh legs up front.

The Panthers addressed their pass-rush need last year by taking Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen in the second and third rounds, respectively. But no Panthers player reached the six-sack mark for the second straight season.

Mesidor is a tenacious rusher who had 5.5 sacks and 16 pressures in Miami's four CFP games. He has violent hands, a diverse arsenal of moves and a first step that throws tackles onto their heels. The complicating factor is that Mesidor will turn 25 before the draft. Would every team be comfortable taking him in the first round? I don't believe so, but this is a worthwhile move for a roster that is aiming to step up in the NFC hierarchy.

Woods could go much higher than this, or much lower. His flashes are as good as any defensive player in this draft class, but he had a maddeningly inconsistent year on an underwhelming Clemson team. The Panthers need to continue to add needle-movers to their defense and if Woods reaches his ceiling, the Panthers could have a monster front with Woods and Derrick Brown. Carolina has also had recent success with another defensive draft faller coming off an inconsistent final collegiate season in 2025 second-round pick Nic Scourton.

Offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu seems set to miss a lot of time after rupturing his patellar tendon in the Panthers' playoff to the Rams, so Carolina needs some offensive line help. Proctor would certainly fit the bill. He's massive and was pretty highly-touted coming out of high school.