The Carolina Panthers, needing athleticism, will make a bold move in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to one analyst. In a story that spans the entire length of the National Football League, talent remains at a premium. While you cannot place a price on the intangibles within a player, the measurables do matter.
Granted, personality and character count when it pertains to building a team; you cannot discount the speed/side/strength methodology of thinking. General managers stake their employment on the ability to find playmakers throughout the draft. One writer predicts that Carolina will adhere to the measuring tape and select someone who will immediately benefit their defense.
Try out Pro Football & Sports Network’s FREE playoff predictor, where you can simulate every 2025-26 NFL season game and see how it all shakes out!
Carolina Panthers Predicted to Bolster Secondary with Addition of Playmaker
After an up-and-down 2024, during which Bryce Young sat on the bench, the Panthers cobbled together a few exciting wins heading into the offseason. Furthermore, the franchise enjoyed a phenomenal draft, landing a top wideout while strengthening the defensive line around Derrick Brown.
As a result, the back eight of the defense looks like it will improve with the talent upfront. However, according to one analyst, Carolina will make Ohio State safety Caleb Downs their first-round pick. Jacob Infante, PFSN draft analyst, projects the Panthers will select Downs with the sixth overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, stating:
“I liked what the Carolina Panthers did on Day 2 of the 2025 draft, grabbing Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen after going offense in Round 1. That said, their defense is still a few pieces away from completion.”
“You could make the case that Caleb Downs is the best overall player in college football entering 2025. He’s a well-built, highly intelligent defensive back with elite range, sharp processing, and positional versatility. He’s effective in coverage, disruptive against the run, and brings strong ball skills and effort as a downhill tackler.”
While you can definitely see Downs headed to Charlotte in the first round of next year’s draft, a couple of things do stand out. As Infante mentioned, the Panthers addressed pass rush issues with Scourton and Umanmielen. Additionally, free agent Tershawn Wharton will bookend Brown up front.
According to PFSN’s in-house metrics, Carolina has the easiest schedule next season. If the team shows decent improvement, winning will slide the team out of the first ten picks, where many think Downs will land. The team signed free agent strong safety Tre’von Moehrig to a three-year, $51 million deal in the offseason, who has emerged as one of the best safeties in the NFL.
As a result, the market for Downs could reside far away from the Queen City. While the Buckeye standout does possess NFL-ready skills, fit and scheme will also determine where he will ply his trade in 2026.