Chuba Hubbard
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With running backs Chuba Hubbard and Jonathan Brooks, it's unlikely the Panthers will lay out this sort of financial commitment for Dowdle.
With the NFL Draft just around the corner, the Carolina Panthers have certain needs to address in this year’s draft.
According to ESPN’s latest 3-Round Mock Draft, the Panthers are suggested to address their offensive line.
In the first round of the mock, ESPN has the Panthers taking offensive lineman Spencer Fano out of the University of Utah.
“Fano can play all five spots up front, and he could even fill in at center as a rookie prior to moving to another spot after his first season. He’s light on his feet and plays with urgency.” Jordan Reid wrote in the ESPN article.
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Spencer Fano is a 6’5, 311-pound tackle prospect, who arrived at the University of Utah as a 4-star recruit in the 2023 class.
“Spencer Fano is the top offensive tackle prospect in the 2026 class due to his loose, fluid movement skills and relentless motor that allow him to recover from compromised positions, process movement and sustain blocks at a high level.” Brandon Thorn wrote in a Bleacher Report article. “His leaner, sawed off build raises questions about how consistently he will generate displacement and anchor against NFL power, leaving him with a fringe first-round grade.”
ESPN has the Carolina Panthers taking another offensive lineman in the third round of the mock. The Panthers would select Center Logan Jones out of the University of Iowa.
“Jones is more of an insurance pick at center in the short term but could give the Panthers a potential long-term answer in the middle of the front.” Reid wrote in the ESPN article.
Logan Jones is a three-year starter at center at Iowa.
“Jones has a sawed-off frame with a lean, athletic build, very good athletic ability, and adequate play strength.” A Bleacher Report article says. “Jones has very good initial quickness and burst to close space and establish first meaningful contact on defenders in the run game.”
Panthers Select Linebacker in Second Round of Mock
In the second round, ESPN has the Panthers selecting Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez out of Texas Tech.
“Devin Lloyd was a huge signing, but the Panthers still need significant linebacker upgrades. Rodriguez would be another instinctive second-level playmaker.” Jordan Reid wrote.
The Carolina Panthers signed Devin Lloyd to a three-year contract in March. He has nine total interceptions in his career to go along with 436 total tackles. Pairing Lloyd with Rodriguez could buffer the Panthers defense even more.
Along with landing Devin Lloyd, the Panthers also signed Jaelan Phillips to a long-term deal. Phillips has played a total of 63 games in his career. He has recorded 205 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 28 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 11 pass defenses since he has been in NFL.
In 2025, the Carolina Panthers had a 34% pass-rush win rate. As a result, the Panthers ranked 16th in total defense. They ranked 20th in the NFL against the run and 15th against the pass.