Stukes: Panthers' Zone Disruptor in 2026 Draft

0:00On April 21, the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off this week and one name popping for the Carolina Panthers on Day 2 is Arizona Wildcats. Defensive back, Trayden Stukes. This 6 foot 2, 195 pound corner started as a zero-star walk-on back in 2020, grinding his way to Team Captain End. Honorable mention all Pac-12 honors. After tearing his ACL early one season, he snagged an extra year of eligibility and bounced back fierce, racking up 52 tackles, 4 picks, 6, pass breakups, and even a sack while playing nickel and safety. His squad topped the nation in pass efficiency defense, thanks in part to his playmaking. Fans are buzzing about underdog stories like his, especially with the Panthers needing secondary help. Stukes brings that relentless ball pursuit and... Zone smarts that could lock down the middle. His special teams chops at instant value 2, the kind NFL coaches crave right away. Medical checks my flag that knee, and he sometimes over pursues runs, leaving lanes open or struggling to shed blocks.

1:07Still, his fluidity and speed make him versatile for odd coverages or deep safety roles. Panthers defensive coordinator, A-Gero Everow, runs heavy zone, so Stukes slots right in as a disruptor, maybe even masking schemes like a third safety. If he's there pick 51, expect Carolina to pounce and build that backfield future.