Who Coaches, Scouts, and NFL Agents Believe the Carolina Panthers Will Draft

Latest Mock Draft gives intel on why the Panthers will add even more to the defense

Oct 25, 2025; Pullman, Washington, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) is tackled by Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

Just three weeks away from the NFL Draft, more mock drafts are being released by the day, and there’s growing speculation of what the Carolina Panthers will do with the 19th pick in the draft. One mock draft has the Panthers boosting the defense even more, and uses information from the most reliable sources to project each pick

Panthers Find Their Franchise Safety

Dec 30, 2023; Tucson, AZ, USA; Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (22) against the Wyoming Cowboys in the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports | Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Athletics’ Bruce Feldman released his 2026 mock draft, based on what coaches, scouts, and agents have said about each player. Feldman has the Panthers drafting Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, safety out of Toledo. 

McNeil-Warren had a phenomenal 2025 season. He was a semi-finalist for the Thorpe award, recording 36 solo tackles, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles. McNeil-Warren finished 2025 with a 92.1 PFF grade, which was second in the country among the 914 safeties that were graded. 

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is one of my top guys for the 2026 NFL Draft

Versatile, rangy, decisive, and a BIG hitter with 11 forced fumbles, 5 picks, and 11 PBUs 👀 pic.twitter.com/caAkqO6J4b

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 16, 2026

Feldman talked with an OC who played against McNeil-Warren in 2025, and that OC called McNeil-Warren a “freakshow.” The OC was super complimentary about the ball skills, the athleticism, and how McNeil-Warren didn’t miss tackles. 

Why Drafting McNeil-Warren Makes Sense for Carolina

Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Safety, along with more defensive line help, is one of Carolina's biggest needs. The Panthers obviously bolstered their defense through free agency, signing guys like EDGE Jaelan Phillips and ILB Devin Lloyd, but the safety room could still use more talent and some youth. 

The Panthers brought back S Nick Scott, but only on a one-year deal, which, combined with the fact that Scott is 30 years old now, means that the Panthers should be looking towards the future. Having both Scott and McNeil-Warren gives the Panthers depth for 2026 and a long-term solution for after Scott’s contract is up. 

McNeil-Warren also adds a different type of safety; he’s got a little bit bigger of a frame, standing three inches taller than Nick Scott does, and should have better ball skills right away than Scott.

Final Thoughts

Adding a young safety with star potential such as McNeil-Warren into the Panthers' secondary, already featuring elite corners Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, could transform the Panthers into one of the most formidable defenses in the NFC, if not the entire league. 

The Panthers already have great talent at all three levels because of the free-agent moves, but adding an extra talent will only benefit them and, ideally, make the offense's life easier. It won’t be surprising at all if this is the pick, GM Dan Morgan loves players who play extra physical, and McNeil-Warren does just that at the safety position.