Panthers selected Miami (OH) LB Jackson Kuwatch with the No. 227 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

25 April 2026

A fifth-year senior and Ohio State transfer, Kuwatch (6'4/232) finally broke out for the RedHawks in 2025. That paired with his excellent size, athleticism and reasonable rookie-year age (23) make him a projectable Day 3 pick for the Panthers, if also a likely practice squad candidate. To actually make the 53-man roster, he’ll need his impressive “victory lap” season tape to translate to the offseason practice field. Kuwatch made enough fans during the pre-draft process that we would not put it past him.