Yes, the NFL draft is over, but the process never ends for those in the scouting department. Last week closed the book on the 2025 class and marked the official

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 .

Per ESPN's David Newton, the Panthers had discussions about trading Clowney prior to the start of the 2025 NFL draft. Even though nothing came of those talks, Newton noted Panthers general manager Dan Morgan offered a noncommittal response when asked about Clowney's future with the organization on Friday.