3 burning questions for Florida Panthers entering 2026 offseason
Florida Panthers Face Key Decisions Ahead of 2026 Offseason
The 2026 NFL Draft is underway, showcasing a strong group of defensive tackles. Key prospects include McDonald, Banks, Hunter, and Woods, with quality options available even in the later rounds.
Best available DL in 2026 NFL Draft: Updated results, top prospects still on board originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The NFL Draft has arrived. No more conjecture or hypothetical. Five months of preparations and the biggest job interview in the world will now become real.
Viewers have become accustomed to certain similarities. The best quarterbacks, edge rushers, offensive linemen and cornerbacks are towards the top, while running backs, safeties and linebackers are less prioritized at the top. In 2026, they throw out almost all the positional tendencies and trends.
The group of defensive tackles (separate from EDGE) is a good group. The top tier, unlike other positions, has four names ahead of the pack. McDonald, Banks, Hunter and Woods.
Even in the later rounds, there will be quality defensive tackles throughout, with noteworthy names into Day 3. The middle rounds (2-4) could be the DT sweet spot.
| Name | School | HT | WT | Range | Pick | Team |
| Kayden McDonald | Ohio State | 6'2 | 326 | Rd 1-2 | ||
| Caleb Banks | Florida | 6'6 | 325 | Rd 1-2 | ||
| Lee Hunter | Texas Tech | 6'3 | 318 | Rd 1-2 | ||
| Peter Woods | Clemson | 6'2 | 298 | Rd 1-2 |
The 2026 NFL draft kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday in Pittsburgh (ESPN, ABC and NFL Network-- available on Fubo), The Las Vegas Raiders will likely select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick.
The top defensive tackle prospects are McDonald, Banks, Hunter, and Woods.
The middle rounds, specifically rounds 2-4, are expected to be the sweet spot for defensive tackles.
The 2026 NFL Draft breaks from traditional positional trends, with a stronger emphasis on defensive tackles compared to other positions.
The 2026 NFL Draft is significant for defensive tackles as it features a deep pool of talent, with quality players available even in the later rounds.
Florida Panthers Face Key Decisions Ahead of 2026 Offseason

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| Christen Miller | Georgia | 6'4 | 305 | Rd 2-3 |
| Dontay Coreone | Cincinnati | 6'1 | 320 | Rd 2-3 |
| Zane Durant | Penn State | 6'1 | 290 | Rd 2-3 |
| Domonique Orange | Iowa State | 6'4 | 325 | Rd 2-3 |
| Gracen Halston | Oklahoma | 6'2 | 291 | Rd 2-3 |
| Darrell Jackson Jr | Florida St | 6'5 | 330 | Rd 2-3 |
| DeMonte Capeheart | Clemson | 6'4 | 320 | Rd 2-4 |
| Skyler Gill-Howard | Texas Tech | 6'1 | 290 | Rd 2-4 |
| Tim Keenan III | Alabama | 6'2 | 326 | Rd 2-4 |
| Chris McClellan | Missouri | 6'3 | 320 | Rd 2-4 |
| Albert Regis | Texas A&M | 6'2 | 310 | Rd 3-4 |
| Kaleb Proctor | SE Louisiana | 6'3 | 280 | Rd 3-4 |
| Cole Brevard | Texas | 6'3 | 346 | Rd 3-5 |
| Zxavian Harris | Ole Miss | 6'8 | 330 | Rd 3-5 |
| James Thompson Jr | Illinois | 6'6 | 310 | Rd 3-5 |
| Rayshaun Benny | Michigan | 6'4 | 296 | Rd 3-5 |
| Deven Eastern | Minnesota | 6'4 | 296 | Rd 3-5 |
| Jackie Marshall | Baylor | 6'3 | 290 | Rd 4-6 |
| Damonic Williams | Oklahoma | 6'1 | 323 | Rd 4-6 |
| Keeshawn Silver | USC | 6'4 | 330 | Rd 4-6 |
| Brandon Cleveland | NC State | 6'4 | 300 | Rd 4-6 |
| Gary Smith III | UCLA | 6'2 | 340 | Rd 4-6 |
| Landon Robinson | Navy | 6'0 | 287 | Rd 4-6 |
| Nick Barrett | S. Carolina | 6'3 | 322 | Rd 4-6 |
| Cameron Ball | Arkansas | 6'5 | 324 | Rd 5-7 |
| Bryson Eason | Tennessee | 6'3 | 315 | Rd 5-7 |
| Bobby Jamison-Travis | Auburn | 6'4 | 322 | Rd 5-7 |
| Tyler Onyedim | Texas A&M | 6'3 | 295 | Rd 5-7 |
| David Gusta | Kentucky | 6'3 | 317 | RD 5-7 |
| Jacobian Guillory II | LSU | 6'2 | 318 | Rd 5-7 |