Carolina Panthers
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Bryce Young is Part of the New Identity Taking Shape in Charlotte.
The Carolina Panthers are prepping for the NFL draft and trade-up possibilities are being thrown around.
Carolina has made big moves regarding their defense so far in the offseason. A trade-up possibility could be the Panthers moving up to get Rueben Bain Jr.
“The Panthers need a difference-maker. Bain is exactly that. His tape is a masterclass in blending a devastating bull rush with the kind of first-step explosion that offensive tackles simply cannot prepare for.” Enzo Flojo wrote in a ClutchPoints article. “Trading up for Bain would send a message that Carolina is done being reactive. It would declare that the Panthers are no longer content with patchwork solutions. They are hunting for dominance.”
Rueben Bain Jr. Draft Outlook
Bain is on a lot of people’s draft board entering this upcoming draft. The University of Miami pass-rusher had 9.5 sacks during the 2025 season.
“Note taker, grudge holder and block destructor with a compact frame and defensive tackle play strength. Bain is ill-tempered with his take-ons, hitting blockers with heavy hand strikes. He plays through tight ends and can anchor against tackles and double teams.” An NFL.com article says.
“His playoff run showed an ability to generate quick wins if tackles are passive in setting to him. He can rush off the edge or mismatch guards as a sub-package rusher. Bain’s explosive power and toughness should translate, giving him a high floor as an NFL starter.”
Bain will not likely drop out of being a top 10 pick which means the Panthers will have to pull off a stunning move. This move could serve as a dominant one considering the moves the Carolina Panthers have already made.
“There aren’t many more disruptive and impactful defensive players in the country,” Todd McShay (The Ringer) wrote on the “McShay Report”. “His 9.5 sacks this season ranks tied for 23rd in the FBS, so we’re not talking about marginal sack production. Furthermore, he ranks third (minimum 100 pass-rush snaps) among P4 edge rushers with a 23.7 pass-rush win rate.”
Carolina Panthers Defensive Moves in 2026
The Carolina Panthers have signed former Eagles Pass Rusher Jaelan Phillips to a 4-year, $120 Million contract on March 9th.
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.
The Carolina Panthers have also agreed to terms on a three-year, $45 million contract with Devin Lloyd. Lloyd proved he was one of the most versatile linebackers in the league in 2025. During the 2025 NFL season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 27-year-old linebacker played in 15 games. He recorded 81 total tackles with 1.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, five interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and seven defended passes.
The team also re-signed restricted free agent defensive end LaBryan Ray and unrestricted free agent cornerback Robert Rochell.
Rueben Bain Jr. would add to an impressive and bright future in Carolina. Though Carolina trading up seems unlikely–if by the slimmest of chances, they did–Bain would instantly be a difference maker. Draft day shockers do happen every now and then.