Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers escape mediocrity in MNF 3-round mock draft

Anthony Licciardi

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Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers escape mediocrity in MNF 3-round mock draft image

Week 12 will conclude in Santa Clara when the San Francisco 49ers host the Carolina Panthers. It's a game stocked with implications in a crowded conference, and as the Panthers hope to take an NFC South lead, the 49ers' injuries have rendered them vulnerable.

Injuries, however, don't always happen in a vacuum. San Francisco may be aging out of its competitive window, and it will enter the offseason with long-term needs on both sides of the ball. Carolina, meanwhile, is winning games with (despite?) Quarterback Bryce Young, and if he's the answer, an improved defense is necessary for this team's playoff hopes.

Before these teams duel under the Monday Night Football lights, let's look at how they can approach the 2026 NFL Draft.

Carolina Panthers three-round mock draft

Round 1, Pick 14: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson

Woods was the top player on my board entering the year. He'll likely end the cycle as a blue-chip prospect -- even on a stumbling Clemson defense -- and the opportunity for the Panthers to land an elite talent outside the top 10 is enticing.

There are some similarities between Woods and Derrick Brown, but the former is a little smaller, allowing both to stay on the field for every down. The Clemson standout is defined by elite run defense, boasting violent hands, elite athleticism and preternatural strength. Those traits lend themselves to upside as a pass-rusher, too.

Carolina's defense is still a problem. Fortifying the spine of the unit while adding a high-value position would be a slam dunk.

Round 2, Pick 49: Julian Neal, CB, Arkansas

Neal might not be a first-round pick, but he is an exceptional floor-raiser for a secondary. He is blossoming at the catch point, creating splash plays and prying open a little more breathing room for inconsistencies in coverage.

More relevant to the Panthers, though, is his run defense, which has long been a staple of his game. Teams are happy to target Carolina on the ground, often funneling high-profile backs at cornerbacks who aren't as willing to get their hands dirty. Neal changes that, elevating the physicality of the unit.

Round 3, Pick 80: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor

Trigg profiles as a polarizing prospect given his limited role but tantalizing upside. He's an explosive play waiting to happen and has the frame and leaping ability to be a consistent red-zone threat.

MORE: Michael Trigg 2026 NFL Draft scouting report weighs red zone production vs. Limited role

Trigg isn't a great (or good) blocker, and there are questions about his underneath utility. Still, he's a playmaker, and the ability to have Tetairoa McMillan and Trigg beating defenses at different levels from the slot -- with the size to win on the boundary -- gives Young and head coach Dave Canales plenty of room to operate.

San Francisco 49ers three-round mock draft

Round 1, Pick 22: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson

This offensive line class has been a rollercoaster, and Miller is on the rise. He's an elite athlete with a track record of proficiency at Clemson, making him a lucrative fit in San Francisco.

At some point, stalwart left tackle Trent Williams will need to be replaced. Adding an exceptional athlete who can win laterally in zone is an easy fit, and there's upside to be unlocked in pass protection. Miller checks the boxes physically. Adding a prospect at a high-value position after a strong platform season is a good process.

Round 2, Pick 53: Whit Weeks, LB, LSU

Despite the season-ending injury, there is little doubt that linebacker Fred Warner will be back in the middle of San Francisco's defense. Finding him a partner in crime for the post-Dre Greenlaw era is important.

Weeks has translatable skills on early and passing downs. He's defined by his toughness and willingness to make plays at the line of scrimmage. He's also a strong, fluid athlete who can make plays in zone coverage.

He may not be a Mike or offer exceptional upside, but as an ancillary piece in a defense that needs an injection of youth, Weeks makes a lot of sense.

Round 3, Pick 84: Connor Lew, OC, Auburn

Lew is another lineman who began the season high on my board. His stock has fallen in 2025, and he's more likely to be a fringe-top-100 pick than a top-50 selection. Even so, there's reason to believe his steady technique and NFL-ready measurables will create an NFL starter.

The 49ers are weak on the interior, and head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense runs through the ground game. Raising the competency of that unit and fortifying the offensive line before Christian McCaffrey's decline accelerates is paramount to the long-term success of this unit. Lew is a high-floor prospect who can help get the 49ers in Year 1.