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It's no secret that the Carolina Panthers' defense is in dire need of repairs. The linebacker room, in particular, could benefit from fresh blood, which is why GM Dan Morgan has his sights set on Texas Tech's star, Jacob Rodriguez.
The Panthers had a tough year defensively. They ranked 16th in yards allowed per game (327.2) and 15th in points allowed per game (22.4).
That's why some analysts believe Morgan and company could go early in the draft for a linebacker reinforcement, using their first two picks to address this need.
Sports Illustrated analyst Schuyler Callihan believes the logical next step for the Panthers is to draft Sonny Styles (Ohio State) in the first round and Akheem Mesidor (Miami) in the second, but the front office may have other plans.
Rodriguez could be headed to Charlotte
In his recent media session at the NFL Scouting Combine, Rodriguez revealed that he has been in contact with the Panthers' front office since the Senior Bowl.
"I haven't had any conversations with him (Morgan) personally," admitted the Red Raiders star. "But I've had some conversations with the Panthers at the Senior Bowl and met with them here."
He didn't hide his excitement about the possibility of being drafted by the Panthers. "I'd be excited to be in Charlotte. I went there for the Nagurski. And I thought it was a beautiful place. I would love to see myself there as well."
He also made it clear he admired the team:
I think everything they do from top to bottom... a great organization that is trending really well.
Will the Panthers draft Jacob Rodriguez?
Rodriguez's 2025 stat line was nothing short of impressive:
- 128 tackles (63 solo)
- 11 tackles for loss
- 7 forced fumbles
- 6 passes defended
- 4 interceptions
- 1 sack
However, Callihan said it's unlikely he'll be a first-round pick, "Although a team toward the back end of the draft may snatch him up if they don't think he'll be there by the next time they pick."
As for the Panthers, "using the 19th pick on him would be a stretch." But he doesn't think he'll fall to the third round either. "He'll go somewhere in round two, and if Carolina wants him, they may have to make a move up the board to do so."