Panthers 2026 NFL Draft: Carolina selects LB Jackson Kuwatch with the 227th pick

TL;DR

The Carolina Panthers selected linebacker Jackson Kuwatch from Miami (OH) with the 227th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Kuwatch, a third team All-MAC player, is expected to compete for a roster spot, particularly on special teams.

Key points

Carolina Panthers selected Jackson Kuwatch with the 227th pick
Kuwatch was a third team All-MAC player in 2025
He has good size and was a productive tackler in college
Kuwatch needs to improve technique and awareness
The Panthers linebacker room lacks depth

Carolina PanthersJackson Kuwatch2026 NFL DraftMiami RedHawks

Dec 27, 2025; Tucson, AZ, USA; Miami (OH) RedHawks linebacker Jackson Kuwatch (33) against the Fresno State Bulldogs during the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Panthers fans prayers were answered, and they selected a linebacker with their final pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, in Miami (Ohio) prospect Jackson Kuwatch.

Accolades

Third team All-MAC in 2025.
Played for Ohio State briefly.

Bottom Line

The Panthers linebacker room definitely lacks depth, so he should have a shot to make the roster. He’ll need to make his way on special teams in his rookie season.

Strengths

He was a highly productive tackler in his final year in college. He has good size and tested well at his Pro Day (NFL.com).

Weaknesses

Only one year of production in college, definitely needs needs work on his technique and awareness. This is a classic 7th round pick shot on a guy that likely would have been an undrafted free agent. But the Panthers linebacker room isn’t exactly solid beyond , so he absolutely has a chance to make a career here. Share your thoughts down below!

Q&A

Who is Jackson Kuwatch and what are his college accolades?

Jackson Kuwatch is a linebacker from Miami (OH) who was named third team All-MAC in 2025 and briefly played for Ohio State.

What are Jackson Kuwatch's strengths and weaknesses as a player?

Kuwatch is known for being a highly productive tackler with good size, but he has only one year of college production and needs to improve his technique and awareness.

How does Jackson Kuwatch fit into the Panthers' linebacker roster?

Kuwatch is expected to compete for a roster spot in a linebacker room that lacks depth, particularly aiming to contribute on special teams.