Panthers could pounce on two major defensive needs early in NFL Draft, GM says
The Carolina Panthers are keeping their options open entering next week’s NFL Draft. And Panthers general manager Dan Morgan isn’t tipping his hand on his selection strategy.
But Morgan, a former Panthers linebacker, spoke to the media on Tuesday and understands he needs to keep adding to the team’s defensive depth chart. And the Panthers should have plenty of opportunities — with their seven draft selections — to beef up defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s unit.
After spending big bucks on outside linebacker Jaelan Phillips and inside linebacker Devin Lloyd in free agency, the Panthers could look to go a more cost-effective route with their defensive line and the secondary during draft weekend.
Potential A’Shawn Robinson replacement in ‘top-heavy’ class
The Panthers released defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson last month ahead of free agency. The move was made to open up $10.5 million in cap space ahead of a spending spree, which included the likes of Phillips and Lloyd.
But Robinson was a key cog on the defensive line over the past two years, playing 66% of the defensive snaps in 2024 and 62% in 2025. His departure opens up a big void in the trenches, even with Derrick Brown, Bobby Brown and Turk Wharton returning for the 2026 season.
“A’Shawn — great dude, great leader — we’ll definitely miss him around here,” Morgan said during a pre-draft press conference at Bank of America Stadium. “It’s definitely just part of the business. But, in terms of the defensive-tackle class, I feel pretty good about it. I think it’s a little top-heavy. But I do think there (are) guys that we like, that we’ve kind of pinpointed that we like. So, I think if the opportunity arises, we would definitely add competition and depth there — just like any other position.”
The Panthers have made it a point to prioritize the offensive and defensive lines since Morgan took over GM duties in 2024.
Given the importance of the defensive front, Morgan could look to pounce on a defensive lineman relatively early, especially if he considers the depth to be at the top of the class.
Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald, Florida’s Caleb Banks and Clemson’s Peter Woods are considered potential first-round picks by most prominent media evaluators. Lee Hunter of Texas Tech, Darrell Jackson Jr. of Florida State and Rayshaun Benny of Michigan could be options on Day 2.
Could the secondary get some help?
The Panthers re-signed veteran starter Nick Scott to a one-year deal last month. While Scott played the bulk of the defensive snaps in the secondary last season, the Panthers could still afford to upgrade the post safety position for the long haul.
The same could be said for the nickel cornerback spot, which is currently occupied by 2024 fifth-round pick Chau Smith-Wade. While last year’s undrafted gem, Corey Thornton, could be an option for competition at the position, the Panthers could also look to add to the secondary in the draft.
“I think those are areas that we’ve talked about, and we do have some guys that we like that have played and showed they can play at that,” Morgan said. “But again — I’m going to keep repeating myself — if the opportunity arises and there’s a post safety that we like, then great, we take a post safety. If there’s a nickel that we really like, then at a certain point, yeah, we’ll do that as well. I’m really — myself and my staff, Coach (Dave) Canales — we’re all open to just drafting the best players on the board at the current moment.”
The Panthers have selected a defensive back in the fifth round of back-to-back drafts under Morgan. Given the need for a potential starter at safety and/or nickel corner, the GM might choose to go after a defensive back in an earlier round than the Panthers did in previous draft weekends.
Ohio State’s Caleb Downs, Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are considered the top three safeties in the class. LSU’s A.J. Haulcy and Southern California’s Kamari Ramsey are considered Day 2 options.
For the nickel position, the Panthers should have a large talent pool to choose from on draft weekend. Duke’s Chandler Rivers, Miami’s Keionte Scott and Arizona’s Treydan Stukes all have the versatility and range to line up in the slot effectively.
Could Panthers take non-premium position in first round?
With Downs and Thieneman, in particular, receiving notable first-round buzz, the Panthers might need to consider selecting a safety at No. 19. If one of those players sits at the top of the Panthers’ board, Morgan will need to weigh selecting a position that is often put in the “non-premium” category by most teams.
The same could be said for tight end, as Thieneman’s Oregon teammate, Kenyon Sadiq, has also been connected to the Panthers in several mock drafts.
“Those are all things that we talk through, and we discuss it, and everybody has a voice in the room and everybody gives their opinions,” Morgan said. “Yes, ultimately, I’m going to have to make the decision, but at the end of the day, it’s a collaborative effort — we’re all talking through these scenarios, all the value — those are all things we understand, and again, we wouldn’t hesitate to take a guy if we feel he’s the best player.”
The Panthers have an immediate need at safety. Morgan, though, said on Tuesday that he likes his current tight-end room.
But Carolina also has pretty clear needs at wide receiver, offensive tackle and inside linebacker. Adding another defensive lineman and a pass rusher could be on the docket as well.
So, Morgan and his front-office crew have a lot to discuss. And when it comes time to use their seven draft picks, they’ll need to be prepared for any and all scenarios on draft weekend.
This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 5:30 AM with the headline "Panthers could pounce on two major defensive needs early in NFL Draft, GM says."
