The Carolina Panthers entered the 2026 PML Draft with clear priorities: bolster depth, add versatility, and secure building blocks for the future. By addressing needs across offense and defense, the team assembled a draft class filled with intriguing talent and upside. Here’s a breakdown of each pick, their projected roles, and how they fit into the Panthers’ plans.
1st Round, 25th Pick: Kaden Feagin, HB, Illinois (OVR 72)
Overview: Kaden Feagin is a bruising power back who brings a physical presence to the Panthers’ backfield. Standing 6’3” and weighing over 220 pounds, Feagin is built to succeed in short-yardage and goal-line situations. His combination of strength (82 STR) and acceleration (93 ACC) allows him to power through defenders while maintaining enough burst to hit the hole quickly.
Role in 2026: Feagin will start as the third running back behind Jonathan Brooks and Ashton Jeanty. He’ll likely see the field in situational packages, particularly in red-zone and goal-line scenarios. His development will focus on improving vision and ball security to round out his game.
Projection: 500 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns in a rotational role.
2nd Round, 25th Pick: Alex Orji, QB, Michigan (OVR 66)
Overview: Alex Orji is a developmental quarterback with exciting dual-threat potential. With a strong arm (92 THP) and excellent mobility (89 SPD, 95 ACC), Orji brings a playmaking element to the position. However, his accuracy and decision-making need refinement before he’s ready to contribute consistently.
Role in 2026: Orji will serve as the third quarterback behind Bryce Young and Malik Willis. The Panthers view him as a long-term project who can eventually become a capable backup or even a change-of-pace quarterback in specialized packages.
Projection: Limited playing time in 2026 but valuable reps in practice and preseason.
4th Round, 25th Pick: Shyheim Brown, SS, Florida State (OVR 72)
Overview: Shyheim Brown is a hard-hitting strong safety with excellent athleticism (92 SPD, 85 ACC) and tackling ability. His physicality makes him a natural fit for the Panthers’ 4-3 base defense, where he can play in the box or cover tight ends and running backs.
Role in 2026: Brown will compete for snaps as a backup safety and could carve out a role in nickel and dime packages. His speed and tackling ability will make him a core contributor on special teams as he develops his coverage skills.
Projection: 30 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and significant special teams contributions.
5th Round, 25th Pick: Tony Grimes, CB, UNLV (OVR 73)
Overview: Tony Grimes is a quick and agile cornerback (93 SPD, 90 AGI) who excels in man coverage. His ability to stay with receivers and read the quarterback makes him a high-upside prospect. At 6’0”, Grimes has the size to handle outside receivers while also possessing the quickness to play in the slot.
Role in 2026: Grimes will compete for the slot cornerback role during training camp. He’s expected to see significant snaps in nickel packages and could eventually become a reliable starter. His versatility will allow the Panthers to experiment with different defensive alignments.
Projection: 2 interceptions, 8 pass deflections, and 40 tackles.
6th Round, 23rd Pick: Darryl Peterson, RE, Wisconsin (OVR 78)
Overview: Darryl Peterson is a pass-rushing specialist with a polished arsenal of moves. His finesse (85 FMV) and athleticism (80 SPD, 85 ACC) make him an immediate contributor on passing downs. At 6’1” and 250 pounds, Peterson may lack elite size but makes up for it with quickness and technique.
Role in 2026: Peterson will rotate in as one of the Panthers’ primary edge rushers, competing with DJ Johnson and Amare Barno for snaps. His ability to generate consistent pressure will be vital for a defense looking to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
Projection: 6 sacks, 15 QB hits, and 3 forced fumbles.
7th Round, 25th Pick: Keiondre Jones, RG, Florida State (OVR 72)
Overview: Keiondre Jones is a powerful guard with excellent strength (94 STR) and a solid foundation in run blocking. He’s a developmental prospect who can contribute as depth in his rookie season while working on improving his pass-blocking technique.
Role in 2026: Jones will provide depth on the offensive line and could see action in heavy run sets or as an injury replacement. The Panthers view him as a long-term project with starter potential down the line.
Projection: Limited snaps in 2026, with significant development opportunities.
Draft Class Recap and Grade
The Panthers’ 2026 draft class reflects a focus on addressing key positional needs while adding versatile, high-upside talent. The team prioritized players who could contribute in rotational roles immediately while developing into potential starters.
- Best Pick: Darryl Peterson (RE, Wisconsin) – A polished pass rusher who could be an impact player from Day 1.
- Sleeper Pick: Tony Grimes (CB, UNLV) – With his speed and coverage skills, Grimes has the potential to outplay his draft position.
- Developmental Pick: Alex Orji (QB, Michigan) – A raw but exciting project who could become a dynamic backup quarterback.
Draft Grade: B+
The Panthers successfully addressed several needs, particularly at running back, edge rusher, and cornerback. While some players will need time to develop, this class provides depth and flexibility for both the short and long term.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 draft class adds intriguing talent to a roster already loaded with playmakers. Players like Darryl Peterson and Tony Grimes could make immediate impacts, while others like Alex Orji and Keiondre Jones will develop into future contributors. If the Panthers maximize the potential of this class, it could become a key foundation for sustained success in the coming seasons.
