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The Carolina Panthers might've struck the biggest bargain of the offseason at one of the sport's most premium positions.
In a shocking deal, the team was able to reel in former Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker—the open market's very top blindside protector—on a one-year $4 million pact. Walker, with Ikem Ekwonu recovering from a torn patellar tendon, is likely to begin the season in the starting lineup.
But that deal hasn't prevented draft experts from connecting Carolina to a few hog mollies.
Here is our latest mock draft roundup for the Panthers . . .
Pick: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
Author: Jacob Camenker
Take: Carolina might not have a major present-day need along the offensive line, but one could quickly arise. The team's normal starting left tackle, Ikem Ekwonu, may miss the 2026 NFL season because of a torn patellar tendon – a difficult injury from which to recover – while free agent signing Rasheed Walker only signed a one-year deal to help replace him.
Adding Fano would provide the Panthers with a longer-term option at the position in case neither Ekwonu or Walker returns to the team in 2027. Fano also has the athleticism and versatility needed to play along the interior offensive line, so Carolina can certainly find a spot to play the fluid mover.
Pick: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
Author: Jordan Reid
Take: Fano can play all five spots up front, and he could even fill in at center as a rookie prior to moving to another spot after his first season. He's light on his feet and plays with urgency.
Pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Author: Chad Reuter
Take: Bryce Young will love seeing Sadiq running down the seam and setting up shop between zone defenders. The tight end's presence will open up space for former first-round receivers Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan.
Pick: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (Fla.)
Author: Gilberto Manzano
Take: The Panthers could go in various directions after their productive free agency, which included the additions of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, linebacker Devin Lloyd and offensive tackle Rasheed Walker. Carolina could still use another pass rusher to play behind Phillips and last year’s second-round pick, Nic Scourton. Mesidor had 12.5 sacks playing next to Bain during Miami’s run to the national title game.
Pick: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Author: Ryan Wilson
Take: McCoy didn't play a snap in 2025 after tearing his ACL the previous January, but his 2024 tape is some of the best in the class. Jaycee Horn is elite when healthy, but Mike Jackson is in the final year of his current deal.
Pick: Blake Miller, OL, Clemson
Author: Todd McShay
Take: The Panthers have had a lot of turnover along their offensive line, and starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu suffered an injury last season. They’ve brought in some Band-Aids in the forms of Rasheed Walker and Stone Forsythe, but this group can’t afford to take a step back with Bryce Young still developing and the need for a strong run game.
Miller is a plug-and-play starter as one of the most experienced offensive linemen in the class. He won’t wow you with athleticism on tape, but he’s a long tackle with loads of starting experience. Folks inside the Clemson football building swear by this guy, too. He’s the bar setter in terms of focus, dedication, and work ethic—three qualities that GM Dan Morgan values greatly.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers mock draft roundup 7.0: Tracking the latest 2026 projections
Continue reading...
In a shocking deal, the team was able to reel in former Green Bay Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker—the open market's very top blindside protector—on a one-year $4 million pact. Walker, with Ikem Ekwonu recovering from a torn patellar tendon, is likely to begin the season in the starting lineup.
But that deal hasn't prevented draft experts from connecting Carolina to a few hog mollies.
Here is our latest mock draft roundup for the Panthers . . .
USA Today
Pick: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
Author: Jacob Camenker
Take: Carolina might not have a major present-day need along the offensive line, but one could quickly arise. The team's normal starting left tackle, Ikem Ekwonu, may miss the 2026 NFL season because of a torn patellar tendon – a difficult injury from which to recover – while free agent signing Rasheed Walker only signed a one-year deal to help replace him.
Adding Fano would provide the Panthers with a longer-term option at the position in case neither Ekwonu or Walker returns to the team in 2027. Fano also has the athleticism and versatility needed to play along the interior offensive line, so Carolina can certainly find a spot to play the fluid mover.
ESPN
Pick: Spencer Fano, OL, Utah
Author: Jordan Reid
Take: Fano can play all five spots up front, and he could even fill in at center as a rookie prior to moving to another spot after his first season. He's light on his feet and plays with urgency.
NFL Media
Pick: Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Author: Chad Reuter
Take: Bryce Young will love seeing Sadiq running down the seam and setting up shop between zone defenders. The tight end's presence will open up space for former first-round receivers Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan.
Sports Illustrated
Pick: Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami (Fla.)
Author: Gilberto Manzano
Take: The Panthers could go in various directions after their productive free agency, which included the additions of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, linebacker Devin Lloyd and offensive tackle Rasheed Walker. Carolina could still use another pass rusher to play behind Phillips and last year’s second-round pick, Nic Scourton. Mesidor had 12.5 sacks playing next to Bain during Miami’s run to the national title game.
CBS Sports
Pick: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
Author: Ryan Wilson
Take: McCoy didn't play a snap in 2025 after tearing his ACL the previous January, but his 2024 tape is some of the best in the class. Jaycee Horn is elite when healthy, but Mike Jackson is in the final year of his current deal.
The Ringer
Pick: Blake Miller, OL, Clemson
Author: Todd McShay
Take: The Panthers have had a lot of turnover along their offensive line, and starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu suffered an injury last season. They’ve brought in some Band-Aids in the forms of Rasheed Walker and Stone Forsythe, but this group can’t afford to take a step back with Bryce Young still developing and the need for a strong run game.
Miller is a plug-and-play starter as one of the most experienced offensive linemen in the class. He won’t wow you with athleticism on tape, but he’s a long tackle with loads of starting experience. Folks inside the Clemson football building swear by this guy, too. He’s the bar setter in terms of focus, dedication, and work ethic—three qualities that GM Dan Morgan values greatly.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers mock draft roundup 7.0: Tracking the latest 2026 projections
Continue reading...
