The 2026 season is just about to start, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to begin thinking about 2027.
The 2027 NFL Draft is predicted to be loaded with elite talent, so it’s not surprising that mock drafts are flying around like crazy. The Panthers are a team that could go many different ways in the first round of the draft.
Of course, if the Panthers’ season goes awry, they may be in position to take a quarterback. They could also end up being in a position to just take the best player available. One recent mock has the Panthers taking a lockdown corner, which could be a surprisingly big need.
Panthers Replace Mike Jackson With Leonard Moore
Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn are one of the best cornerback duos in the league. The problem is, Jackson is headed for free agency, and it doesn’t seem like the two sides are very close to an agreement.
In that case, the Panthers may need to replace Jackson early in the 2027 draft. This is what Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski has the team doing in his latest mock. Sobleski has the Panthers taking Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore with the No. 7 pick.
“Mike Jackson is entering the final year of his contract. Plus, the veteran defensive back turns 30 next year. The Carolina Panthers can add an elite talent in Notre Dame’s Leonard Moore, while giving Jaycee Horn a long-term bookend at outside corner,” Sobleski said.
Moore played in 10 games for Notre Dame in 2025 and collected 31 tackles, seven pass breakups, and five interceptions. Moore graded out as one of the best cover corners in the league last year, and he earned First-team All-American honors for his performance.
“Moore can play comfortably in man or zone coverage,” Sobleski added. “While he isn’t the class’ best athlete, he’s the best technician and makes up for any perceived deficiencies with a high football IQ.”
Adding Moore means the Panthers could still have an elite corner duo even if Jackson leaves. It would be disappointing for the Panthers to be picking this high, but getting Moore would be a nice consolation prize.
Sobleski mentioned South Carolina edge rusher Dylan Stewart, LSU offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, and Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman as other prospects the Panthers could be interested in.
