Panthers Make Franchise-Altering Decision in Todd McShay’s 2027 Mock Draft

The Carolina Panthers are just now preparing for their second game of the 2026 NFL season, but that doesn’t mean we can’t think about next year.

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The 2027 NFL Draft is already highly anticipated. The draft class is expected to be loaded with talent, especially at quarterback and the skill positions. Obviously, much can and will change for the Panthers between now and next April, but we can already have an idea of what the needs might be.

Most early 2027 mocks have had the Panthers taking either a cornerback or an offensive lineman. With the way this defense looked in Week 1, it certainly seems realistic to take a defender.

But one of the most respected draft analysts just released his mock, and it has the Panthers going in a different direction.

Todd McShay Has Panthers Replace Bryce Young With CJ Carr

Todd McShay is one of the most respected draft analysts in the game. McShay is well-known for his time at ESPN, but he’s now at The Ringer. McShay recently published his first 2027 mock, and it’s definitely interesting for the Panthers.

McShay has the Panthers taking Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr with the No. 7 pick in the first round. It would be massively disappointing for the Panthers to be picking that high, so if they are, it likely means Young had a poor season.

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“I don’t foresee the Panthers picking this early, but it would be time to move on from Bryce Young if that’s the case,” McShay explained. “Carr processes quickly, plays on time, and operates with the polished mechanics of a much more experienced quarterback.”

McShay also mentioned that Carr has a “Baker Mayfield-type moxie” that Dave Canales would likely appreciate.

In 2025, Carr played in 12 games for the Fighting Irish and threw for 2,741 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. The quarterback is great at fitting throws in tight windows, and he has an NFL arm.

So far in 2026. Carr has thrown for 492 yards with six touchdowns and no interceptions. Carr isn’t the most mobile quarterback in the world, but his physical attributes and mentality make him seem like a future long-term starter.

It would be hard to move on from Young, as he’s coming off his best season in 2025, and he had a great game in Week 1 last week. However, if the Panthers really are bad enough, it’ll be hard to pass on one of these talented passers.

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This story was originally published September 19, 2026 at 5:14 PM.