Charlotte is shifting its focus from a recent playoff game to preparations for the upcoming NFL draft. The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, marks the official start of the draft process, where over 130 top college prospects will gather for practices, meetings, and evaluations by representatives from all 32 teams.
Among the players highlighted for Carolina Panthers fans are KC Concepcion, Jalon Kilgore, Jude Bowry, Kyle Louis, and Max Iheanachor. These athletes represent a range of positions and schools and are considered notable prospects to watch during Senior Bowl week.
KC Concepcion is a wide receiver from Texas A&M who previously played at NC State and attended Chambers High in Charlotte. He won the 2025 Paul Hornung Award as college football’s most versatile player. In his junior season at Texas A&M, he recorded 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns, with additional contributions as a rusher and punt returner.
Jalon Kilgore is a safety from South Carolina known for his versatility and leadership. At 6-1 and 211 pounds, he leaves school as a true junior after serving as team captain. Kilgore averaged strong defensive statistics over three seasons and was graded highly by Pro Football Focus for tackling in 2025.
Jude Bowry plays offensive tackle at Boston College after being Maryland’s top high school tackle prospect. Named starting left tackle in 2024, Bowry has been consistent on the line but may transition to an interior position in the NFL due to arm length concerns.
Kyle Louis is a linebacker from Pittsburgh who finished his last two collegiate seasons with impressive defensive numbers including tackles, sacks, and interceptions. While slightly undersized for an NFL linebacker at 6-1 and 220 pounds, some scouts see potential for him to play safety.
Max Iheanachor is an offensive tackle from Arizona State originally from Nigeria. After playing soccer and basketball in his youth before turning to football late in high school, he has shown athleticism at 6-6 and 330 pounds while facing top college pass rushers.
The Carolina Panthers formed as an NFL expansion team in 1995 representing both North Carolina and South Carolina with their operations centered in Charlotte (official website). They compete in the NFC South division (official website) and have achieved multiple division championships as well as playoff appearances (official website). The organization also maintains involvement in community outreach throughout both states (official website).
The Senior Bowl provides Panthers coaches and scouts an opportunity to assess potential additions who could contribute to building on their competitive history (official website).