The Panthers can't afford to mess up their 2026 draft selection.
They're a rising team, because they've gone from two wins to five to seven and counting. The arrow is pointing upward. But to make the leap from plucky, scrappy, fun team that might sneak into the playoffs into a legitimate playoff team and Super Bowl contender, they have to nail the upcoming offseason.
. That primarily means the draft. They won't be picking in the top 10, so the chances of landing an elite prospect are much lower. And inTennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy before a college football game between Tennessee and UAB at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 20, 2025. | Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Carolina Panthers don't necessarily need one, but adding a cornerback would give them arguably the best cornerback trio in the NFL with Jaycee Horn, Mike Jackson, and a prospect. But the prospect Mike Renner has them taking would be a major risk at cornerback, one they might not even need to take. He has them selecting Jermod McCoy, an undeniably talented player who hasn't taken a single snap this season. "McCoy has already declared for the draft, making him the biggest wild-card prospect in the class. I say that because he didn't play a down of football this fall after tearing his ACL in January," Renner said. "His tape in 2024 was top-10 worthy, but the injury throws a wrench into that projection. For the Panthers, he'd be worth a swing given their need and how scary their secondary would be if McCoy hits his high-end projection," he concludedAuburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk celebrates a stop as Auburn Tigers take on South Alabama Jaguars at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Auburn Tigers lead South Alabama Jaguars 28-9 at halftime. | Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesAll of those prospects represent plenty of upside, and they're at more important positions. McCoy could end up being a steal at 16 if he bounces back, but that's a big if. The Panthers can't be expected to make the leap to NFC South contenders if they're operating without their first-round pick next year, which is something that could happen with McCoy.Zachary Roberts is a journalist with a wide variety of experience covering basketball, golf, entertainment, video games, music, football, baseball, and hockey. He currently covers Charlotte sports teams and has been featured on Sportskeeda, Yardbarker, MSN, and On SI.Dolphins vs. Steelers Best Anytime Touchdown Scorer Picks for Monday Night Football in NFL Week 15
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