With Final Carolina Panthers Top 100 Rank, 1 Thing is Abundantly Clear

The NFL top 100 list is still releasing its rankings as we wind down the offseason and get ready for preseason and Week 1. The Carolina Panthers have had four players ranked before yesterday. Bryce Young is slotted at 98th overall, Derrick Brown at 90th, Tetairoa McMillan at 87th, and Jaycee Horn at 76th.

Even though some of those rankings were surprises, no one thought Young would make the list. It wasn't totally shocking to see McMillan make the list, but it still didn't feel like a guarantee.

That isn't to say they aren't good; both their position groups are so deep with talent throughout the league that they could've missed the cut.

Brown and Horn were locks; it was just a matter of where. That left one Panthers player who is extremely deserving of a top-100 spot; it was just a matter of where.

Devin Lloyd Named on NFL Top 100

Devin Lloyd and Panthers Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Slotting in at No. 27 on the NFL's top 100, new Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd. The former Jacksonville Jaguars LB signed with Carolina on a three-year deal worth up to $45 million in free agency.

This ranking is perfect. Coming off a season in which Lloyd earned his first Pro Bowl appearance and second-team All-Pro honors, there aren't many inside linebackers who can be ranked above him at this point. Lloyd's 5 interceptions tied for second in the NFL last season.

Updated list of #Panthers on the NFL Top 100 so far:

Bryce Young | 98.
Derrick Brown | 90.
Tetairoa McMillan | 87.
Jaycee Horn | 76.
Devin Lloyd | 27.

If this is the end of the list, who got snubbed? pic.twitter.com/xfXaRsrXWt
— SleeperPanthers (@SleeperCarolina) August 11, 2026

With this ranking, it means the Panthers won't have anyone else make the NFL top 100. If another Panther did make it, then that would just be incorrect. Mike Jackson at cornerback could be a consideration, but not over Devin Lloyd at 27th.

Since Carolina won't have anyone else ranked, it leaves one big takeaway on Carolina's presence inside the top 100.

Derrick Brown is Severely Underrated

Derrick Brown at Panthers training cam — IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Brown being ranked 90th and being the second-lowest-ranked Panther on this list is purely absurd. Carolina's anchor on the defensive line had a great year coming off an injury, notching 73 tackles, 5 sacks, and 7 passes defended. Brown also ranked second in the NFL in run stops according to PFF.

Interior defensive tackle is also one of the most important positions in football. Brown is a consensus top-10 DT, meaning he should be ranked much higher than 90th overall.

Entering 2026, both Brown and Lloyd will be crucial to Carolina's defense rising to elite status. The Panthers ranked 16th in overall defense last season and, on paper, should be much improved.

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