Panthers' NFL Draft Focus: Outside Linebackers

0:00On April 15th, the 2026 NFL draft is almost here, kicking off April 23rd in Pittsburgh and the Carolina Panthers hold 7. Pick starting with Round 1, Number 19 overall, then Round 2 at 51, Round 3 at 83, and so on, down to Round 6 at 200. Teams like Carolina are deep in evaluations, and today we're zeroing in on outside linebackers, a spot where they could add serious juice. Last year, the Panthers re-tooled their defense with 2nd and 3rd round picks on Nick Scorton and Prince Lee Amon-Mylon. Scorton matched the team lead with 5-sacks and held strong against the run, but the squad still ranked 28 league-wide with just 30. Total sacks. That's why they drop big money on free agent Jalen Phillips, whose pass rush skills should ripple across the whole unit. In their scheme, edge rushes drive everything, so even with those moves, drafting another can't be rolled out. They need consistent pressure to climb, those rankings.

1:00Fans and analysts see this as a prime area to build, especially after a season of defensive struggles that lit a fire under the front office. Names bubbling up include Miami's Rubin Bane Jr., and his teammate, a K-Messador, who both posted double-digit sacks last year, Texas Tech's David. Bayley timed for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, Auburn's young Keldrick Falk with his long. Frame and leadership, and Clemson's TJ Parker with 11 sacks despite heavier attention. Expect the Panthers to watch these guys closely through the rounds, potentially snagging one to pair with Phillips, and turn that pass rush into a reel. Weapon come next season.