It is that time of year when it seems like everyone and their mother are releasing their mocks of the 2026 NFL draft — less than a week after the conclusion of the 2025 edition. Among those casting their dice on an event almost a full calendar year away is Sports Illustrated's Bryan Fischer,

Their work has been praised by draft pundits, who believe they filled their greatest needs — and did so without reaching. That doesn’t mean every pick is immune to criticism.

NFL draft was so good to the Carolina Panthers that we're already looking forward to next year's selection process. Here, courtesy of a few fresh mock drafts, are the (very, very, very) early first-round projections for the Panthers in 2026 .