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Here's who Mel Kiper Jr. has the Panthers taking in his final mock draft
TL;DR
Mel Kiper Jr.'s final mock draft predicts the Carolina Panthers will select Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren with the 19th overall pick in 2026. McNeil-Warren is noted for his playmaking ability, including five interceptions and ten forced fumbles in college.
The godfather of the NFL draft has made his final predictions.
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. put out his last mock draft for the 2026 cycle on Wednesday. His two-round projections have the Panthers starting with Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren with the 19th overall selection:
Carolina might decide to use this pick to help quarterback Bryce Young on offense. The 2023 No. 1 draft pick took a step forward last season, but the offense was still 25th in ESPN's Football Power Index. Even so, getting an impact safety to pair with Tre'von Moehrig behind the Panthers' really solid cornerback duo could be the team's next savvy move on defense after signing edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. And drafting McNeil-Warren would actually help Young -- by getting him the ball more often. McNeil-Warren had five interceptions and an incredible 10 forced fumbles over four seasons in college.
As Kiper notes, McNeil-Warren can serve as a playmaking presence in the back of Carolina's ascending defense. The 2025 second-team All-American and Tampa, Fla. native recorded two of his five picks this past seasonâone of which was returned for a touchdown.
Then, with the 51st overall pick, Kiper gives Young that help he was talking about in the form of Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu:
The Panthers don't have a glaring need at offensive tackle with Ikem Ekwonu, Taylor Moton and Rasheed Walker. But Lomu represents good value and a chance to add depth to a room that lost Ekwonu in the playoffs to a ruptured patellar tendon. Lomu -- who played left tackle at Utah -- is solid in pass protection, but he really pops as a run blocker. His ability to get to the second level is all over the tape.
While he'd be likely to start off as a backup, Lomu would provide the Panthers with some quality depth at one of the most important positions in the game. The 6-foot-6, 313-pounder notched 1,582 snaps at left tackle over the last three years, and could eventually end up manning the blindside for Carolina if Ekwonu and/or Walkerâboth free agents in 2027âaren't retained.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper's picks for the Panthers in his final mock
Q&A
Who is Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and why is he significant for the Panthers?
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren is a safety from Toledo projected to be selected by the Panthers, known for his playmaking skills, including five interceptions and ten forced fumbles during his college career.
What position will the Panthers focus on in the 2026 NFL Draft according to Mel Kiper Jr.?
According to Mel Kiper Jr., the Panthers will focus on selecting a safety, specifically Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, to enhance their defense.
How did the Panthers' offense perform last season and how might McNeil-Warren help?
The Panthers' offense ranked 25th in ESPN's Football Power Index last season, and drafting McNeil-Warren could improve their defensive capabilities, potentially allowing for more offensive opportunities.
