The Carolina Panthers are on the clock for our 2026 NFL mock draft, as selected by our Pride of Detroit community. Representing the Panthers are commenter… LionsFaninCarolina. Imagine that. It’s almost like I made that happen on purpose.
Before we get to the pick, head to our 2026 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft tracker. There you’ll find the previous 18 picks, along with links to each article and a grade for each pick, as decided by you, the readers. Don’t forget to cast your vote for each pick with the poll
at the bottom of the articles.
Now, onto this pick:
With the 19th pick in the 2026 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, the Carolina Panthers select Jermod McCoy, cornerback out of Tennessee.
Here’s LionsFaninCarolina explaining the pick:
“I know, I know. Y’all are bummed the Lions didn’t draft the injured guy. In this mock, the Panthers should be glad to draft him.
Jermod McCoy has elite skills. Tall, athletic, versatile, high IQ, all things that you want in a CB. Getting him at 19 feels like a steal.
Yes, he had a bad ACL, but that’s been 15 months, and football doesn’t start for another five. I can’t imagine he won’t be close to 100% for the start of the season.
I would have loved to add a weapon for Bryce Young, but the main ones were gone, including Kenyon Sadiq. Too much talent left on the board, and too many other needs, to reach for Omar Cooper, etc. They could also use some OL help, and I considered Kadyn Proctor, but I’m not convinced Young can see over him.
If McCoy is indeed 100% and plays like a future CB1, Jaycee Horn has the versatility to play safety, which is a more pressing need. With the free agency additions of Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd, and Derrick Brown as their beast DT, they could win a lot of games on the defensive side of the ball. With a healthy Jonathan Brooks and continued improvement by Young and Tet McMillan, the Panthers could be a tough out in the NFC playoffs next year.
Go Lions.”
Time to grade the pick. Vote in the poll below and share your expanded thoughts in the comment section:
