The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft, and the focus is squarely on bolstering their defense. General Manager Dan Morgan has made it clear that strengthening the front seven is a priority.
This commitment was evident when the Panthers signed EDGE Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd to significant contracts during the free agency period. Additionally, the team shored up their offensive line by bringing in tackle Rasheed Walker, a strategic move to back up 2022 first-round pick Ikem Ekwonu.
As the draft approaches, the Panthers are eyeing further success. While their first-round intentions remain under wraps, there's a strong indication that targeting a safety is high on their list. This could have significant implications for veteran defensive back Nick Scott.
Scott has been a mainstay in the Panthers' secondary, serving as the primary deep safety. After an injury-plagued 2024 season, he bounced back impressively last year, notching 111 tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception over 17 games. However, the upcoming draft class is rich with safety talent, posing a potential challenge to his role.
Staying at pick No. 19, the Panthers have options like Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, both of whom bring versatility and experience as deep safeties. If the team opts to explore other positions in the first round, they could still address safety in the later rounds with prospects like Penn State’s Zakee Wheatley, a standout deep safety projected to go in the fourth round.
For the Panthers to elevate their secondary in 2026, enhancing the free safety position is crucial. Depending on their draft choices, Nick Scott's role could see a significant shift.