Is LB really the Panthers' biggest need heading into the 2026 draft?

Going into last year's NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers had more roster holes to fill than they had formidable starters. But thanks to a stellar 2025 rookie class, that dynamic has changed a great deal.

So, which weaknesses remain for the reigning NFC South champions?

According to an analysis by Pro Football Focus, it's Carolina's long-suffering inside linebacker unit. Contributor Bradley Locker writes the following:

The Panthers splurged in free agency, signing Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd to deals worth a combined $165 million. Even after acquiring one of the league’s foremost linebackers in Lloyd, Carolina needs more pop at the position after ranking no better than 25th in both PFF coverage and run-defense marks last year. Finding a starter next to Lloyd should be high on Dan Morgan’s agenda.

Well, this is a swing and a miss from where we're sitting.

Coming out of the 2025 season, you could rightfully rank linebacker as this team's biggest need. However, the signing of Lloyd changes that equation dramatically. The Pro Bowler is not only the most dynamic player they've had at the position since Hall of Famer Luke Kuechly, but he will also help minimize the mistakes of 2024 third-round pick Trevin Wallace—who's projected to start at the spot next to him.

The true greatest weakness of this roster is at safety—where the Panthers have a solid starter in Tre'Von Moehrig, followed by a whole bunch of question marks. While Wallace was a liability, veteran Nick Scott was among the weakest links for the defense last season.

Carolina should be looking for a huge upgrade at safety no later than the third round.

On the other side of the ball, Carolina also needs to find another reliable wide receiver for quarterback Bryce Young. Perhaps even more importantly, they have to find a serviceable pass-catching option at tight end—which the offense has not had since Greg Olsen's prime from nearly a decade ago.

Linebacker is definitely still a need, but it's not a premium position in the modern NFL and there are other spots that are in much more dire straits right now.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: PFF identifies Panthers' biggest need ahead of 2026 NFL Draft