Carolina Panthers Invest In A New Passing Weapon In 3-Round NFL Mock Draft

Round 2, Pick 51: Jacob Rodriguez, Linebacker, Texas Tech

Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez would slot in right next to Panthers free agent addition Devin Lloyd and would create one of the best linebacker duos in the league.

Rodriguez was a productive player who had a particularly impressive season in 2025. He racked up 128 total tackles, four interceptions, 11 tackles for loss, six pass deflections, and seven forced fumbles. He also had a solid combine highlighted by a 4.57-second 40-yard dash and a 38.5-inch vertical jump.

Rodriguez has sharp instincts, both against the run and pass, which allow him to quickly pursue the ball carrier and get production. He played fast with the Texas Tech Red Raiders, constantly flying around the field, while also playing smart, instinctual coverage. He often has a deep understanding of what’s going on during a play, allowing him to create turnovers and negative offensive plays. His aggressive play style can sometimes backfire, leading to broken coverages and over pursuits, leading to missed tackles.

Still, Rodriguez’s speed and instincts allow him to fight through blocks to stop the run, which the Panthers desperately need. He is an older prospect with shorter arms, which can lead to broken tackles, but he shows many similarities to last year’s defensive rookie of the year, Carson Schwesinger. Rodriguez’s production, instincts, and athleticism make him an extremely valuable player to have.

Round 3, Pick 83: Domonique Orange, Defensive Tackle, Iowa State

Domoniqie “Big Citrus” Orange, outside of having one of the best nicknames, is a very solid nose tackle. Although his stats don’t pop off the page, just 18 tackles in 2025, his tape shows his true value.

Orange has 33 3/8 in arms in addition to his 6’2 and 322 lbs frame, which makes him incredibly hard for offensive linemen to move. He also has a quick first step and a fast reaction time, allowing him to gain a step on offensive linemen while avoiding their blocks. Orange can eat up running lanes and double teams with ease, making him a pro-ready NFL nose tackle. Unfortunately, he lacks much of any pass-rushing upside and can at times struggle to move laterally, which can allow running backs to maneuver around him.

Orange playing nose tackle beside Derrick Brown on the interior defensive line would be a great fit for the Panthers. Orange would allow them to greatly bolster their poor run defense while taking pressure off Brown, reducing the number of double teams he faces.

End Of Carolina Panthers Rant: The Overall Image

The Panthers ending up with Sadiq, Rodriguez, and Orange would put Carolina in an excellent spot. Sadiq would open up the Panthers’ passing attack. Young, who has improved, has still been inconsistent, so getting another receiving threat would give him a greater chance of success.

In 2025, Carolina was 21st in rushing yards allowed per game, a poor mark that hurt them throughout the season. They did begin to address this issue in free agency by signing edge Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. If these players were reinforced by Orange and Rodriguez, then the Panthers could easily have one of the better run defenses in the league. Lloyd and Rodriguez, as an athletic linebacker duo, would make passing or running into the middle of the field a herculean challenge and could completely transform the defense as a whole.