The 2027 NFL Draft feels like forever away, and we’re all caught up in the start of the NFL season. Regardless, it’s never too early to look ahead to the Draft. This weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2027 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. Today our profile will focus on Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Cayden Green.
Bio
Green (6’5”, 325 lbs.) was a four
star recruit and ranked as the state of Missouri’s second best prospect coming out of high school in 2022. Originally signing with Oklahoma, he started five games for the Sooners at left guard before transferring back to his home state. Green continued to hold down the left guard spot until 2025, when the Tigers moved him to left tackle. In his first year at the position, he allowed only seven pressures across over 350 pass blocking snaps, earning him First Team All-SEC recognition. After missing the first game due to injury, Green has been a stalwart at left tackle for the Tigers, allowing five pressures and zero sacks through five games this year.
Strengths/Weaknesses
One of Green’s biggest strengths is how naturally he took to the change of position. Usually linemen make the transition outside in, but in his first season moving from guard to tackle he earned All-SEC honors. On top of that, the switch to left tackle happened just two weeks before the 2025 season, showing just how coachable and adaptable he is. Green uses his heavy frame to anchor well and has the athleticism to not get beat around the edge on speed rushes. He is a coach’s dream: finishing blocks and playing through the whistle with a true versatility that will total over 1,500 snaps at guard and tackle in his career.
While performing well, Green is still new to the left tackle position. His performance this year has really solidified his ranking among the Draft’s top tackles, but there are still some raw moments. He has also battled injuries the last couple of seasons. Nothing major, but still something that some teams might want to look further into.
Projection
Green is the epitome of a player that every coaching staff wants. He has the coachability and versatility to immediately start at a minimum of three positions on the offensive line, he is consistent in his performance against SEC competition, and he does not commit penalties (flagged just twice so far this season). As he continues to grow into the position, expect his stock to continue rising through the middle of the first round, potentially higher after teams get to interview him at the Combine. The Panthers have had a rash of injuries and poor performance on the offensive line, and Green would be a better version of Brady Christensen. He could start at left tackle (depending on Icky Ekwonu’s status and position moving forward) or right guard (if the Panthers move on from Robert Hunt). I wouldn’t even put it past him to learn the center position and be just as dominant there. Depending on where the Panthers pick in the first round, Green might be available to shore up several spots on their starting offensive line and give them some mix-and-match options in 2027 and beyond.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If Cayden Green is available when the Panthers select in the 2027 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!
