The 2025 season was a rollercoaster ride for the Carolina Panthers - flashes of promise one week, head-scratching inconsistency the next. Still, in a division that didn’t exactly set the world on fire, Carolina clawed its way into the playoffs as the NFC South representative. Most expected a quick and quiet exit against the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round.
But the Panthers had other plans.
They didn’t just show up - they showed out. Carolina matched the Rams punch for punch, proving their regular-season win over LA wasn’t a one-off. The Panthers ultimately fell short, but that postseason performance gave fans and front office alike something they hadn’t felt in a while: real hope.
Now comes the part that separates contenders from pretenders - the offseason. The Panthers have momentum, but how do they build on it? With the 19th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Carolina has a golden opportunity to address one of their biggest needs: the pass rush.
Let’s break it down.
A Defense That Needs More Teeth
Last year, Carolina tried to jumpstart its pass rush by drafting Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen on Day 2. The idea was simple: get younger, get faster, get to the quarterback. But the results didn’t quite match the vision.
The Panthers finished the regular season with just 93 total pressures - second-fewest in the league. For context, that’s just ahead of the New York Jets, a team that struggled mightily to generate pressure all year.
No Panther defender posted more than six sacks. That’s a red flag for any defense trying to take the next step.
And yet, this wasn’t a bottom-tier unit. Carolina’s defense finished 16th in total yards allowed per game (327.2), right in the middle of the pack. That’s thanks in part to a solid secondary led by Jaycee Horn - an underrated corner who rarely gets caught out of position - and Mike Jackson, who quietly led the team with 19 passes defended.
So the foundation is there. But if the Panthers want to go from average to dangerous on defense, they need to find someone who can consistently disrupt the pocket.
Who Could Be the Answer at Pick No. 19?
Cashius Howell (Texas A&M)
Howell is the name that keeps popping up in early projections, and it’s easy to see why.
He’s a bit undersized, sure, but don’t let that fool you - this guy can fly off the edge. Howell brings elite burst and a refined set of pass-rush moves that make him a nightmare in obvious passing situations.
He may start his NFL career as a situational rusher, but his upside is tantalizing. Carolina could do a lot worse than betting on his explosiveness.
Akeem Mesidor (Miami)
Another intriguing option is Mesidor, who brings a different flavor to the edge.
He’s quick, crafty, and knows how to use his hands to keep offensive tackles guessing. His get-off is one of the best in the class, and while his age might raise some eyebrows, his ability to contribute right away could be exactly what the Panthers need.
Think of him as a plug-and-play option who can help lighten the load for the rest of the defensive front.
Interior Help? That’s On the Table Too
Carolina already has a strong presence in the middle with Derrick Brooks, an under-the-radar force on the interior defensive line. But one man can only do so much. If the Panthers want to truly control the trenches, they’ll need to pair Brooks with another big body.
McKinnley Jackson (LSU)
Jackson is a bit of a wild card.
His 2025 season was up and down, but when he was on, he showed flashes of dominance. He’s got the size and strength to eat up double teams and free up the edge rushers around him.
Consistency is the question, but the ceiling is high.
Tyler Parker (Clemson)
Then there’s Parker, a run-stuffing specialist who could be a perfect fit for a team that gave up more rushing yards than they’d like last year.
Parker’s calling card is his ability to clog lanes and shed blockers with power and quickness. His pass-rush game is still developing, but the potential is there.
If Carolina wants to shore up its run defense first and foremost, Parker fits the bill.
A Bold Move Up?
One mock draft scenario has Carolina trading up to No. 11 to grab Rueben Bain Jr., one of the most well-rounded edge defenders in the class. Bain is the total package - strong against the run, explosive off the edge, and technically sound. If the Panthers are serious about turning their pass rush into a true strength, moving up to get a player like Bain could be worth the cost.
But What About the Offense?
It’s easy to focus on the defense - and with good reason - but there’s a case to be made for giving Bryce Young another weapon. Tetairoa McMillan, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, has already proven he can be a go-to guy.
Jalen Coker has emerged as a reliable No. 2.
But adding one more dynamic receiver could elevate this offense to another level.
Tyson, a receiver with size, speed, and route-running polish, could be that guy. If Carolina wants to give Young a full arsenal, Tyson would make a lot of sense at 19. It would also allow Coker to slide into the WR3 role - a spot that suits his skill set perfectly.
Final Thoughts
The Panthers are in a better spot than most expected at this time last year. They’ve got a young quarterback, a budding star at wide receiver, and a defense that’s not far from turning the corner. But to take that next step - to go from playoff team to playoff threat - they need to fix the pass rush.
Whether it’s Howell, Mesidor, Bain Jr., or a surprise name, Carolina’s 2026 draft strategy should start in the trenches. And if they decide to add another weapon for Young along the way? Even better.
This offseason is about building on momentum. The pieces are there. Now it’s about putting them together.