Carolina Panthers predicted to pick Ohio State star in 2026 NFL draft

Sonny Syles could fill a significant hole in the middle of the Panthers' defense.

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates with safety Jaylen McClain (18), linebacker Sonny Styles (0) and defensive end Caden Curry (92) after Downs intercepted a pass in the second half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers are about to get a harsh lesson in how important inside linebacker depth can be at this level. On Monday night they'll be visiting the San Francisco 49ers, where Kyle Shanahan has a reputation for putting linebackers through the blender.

With both starters Christian Rozeboom and Trevin Wallace looking like they will not be in the lineup, the Panthers will be forced to play multiple backups at this spot, making them particularly vulnerable to Shanahan's schemes.

Regardless of what happens this week, it's clear that Carolina needs to add some firepower to this position group in the offseason.

In a new seven-round mock draft for the Panthers from Pro Football Network, the team decides to take Ohio State's Sonny Styles at No. 17 overall.

PFN mocks Sonny Styles to Panthers

"With his background as a safety, Styles routinely demonstrates top-tier instincts in coverage. He possesses high-end athleticism to execute man responsibilities when tasked. He also shows good feel in zone to reach proper depth and pass off routes... Styles will immediately raise the floor and ceiling of the Panthers’ linebacker group, giving the team a potential difference maker on that second level."

Aug 2, 2025; Charlottle, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers team manager Dan Morgan during Fanfest at Bank of America Stadium. | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Panthers may have more pressing needs to address in Round 1, especially along the edge, where Nic Scourton appears to be a hit but the jury is still out on Princely Umanmielen.

Carolina also needs to find another starting safety to pair with Tre'von Moehrig, and find more weapons for Bryce Young, both at wide receiver and tight end.

However, finding a new centerpiece linebacker should definitely be on the menu - and it would probably be a mistake to wait until Day 3 to address this particular spot. Styles has all the skills that they're missing here and would be an immediate impact player Week 1.

Sonny Styles highlights

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