All signs point to the Carolina Panthers continuing their steady rise in 2026. Adding Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd, pass rusher Jaelen Phillips and second-round defensive lineman Lee Hunter should improve their defensive front-seven, while the arrival of third-round wideout Chris Brazzell II should give quarterback Bryce Young the extra receiving weapon he's needed.
But even if this team is better on paper, there's a real chance they can hit a big bump in the road this upcoming season. Thanks to their first-place finish in the NFC South, Carolina's schedule is going to be much tougher than it was in 2025—which means there's a decent chance they could, once again, find themselves picking in the top 10 of next year's NFL draft.
If so, they could opt for another defender.
A new (and very early) 2027 mock draft from ESPN's Jordan Reid has the Panthers back at their familiar spot at No. 8 overall, and uses the pick on Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore:
With starter Mike Jackson possibly hitting free agency in 2027, Moore would be an excellent fit for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's unit. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound All-American posted the highest PFF grade of any cornerback in college football last season.
The Panthers just used a fourth-round pick on Texas A&M corner Will Lee III, so this scenario might seem unnecessary if that investment strikes. However, if the plan is to move Lee inside to the slot, then Carolina will have a chance to start a lethal trio at cornerback in 2027.
Modern NFL teams can never have too much talent and depth at cornerback, and the Panthers are well on their way to building one of the best units in the league.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: ESPN's 2027 mock draft has Panthers taking Notre Dame CB Leonard Moore
