3 Panthers Have Been Named To The Nfl Top 100; Will That Be All?

Each offseason, the NFL releases a list of the Top 100 players for the upcoming season as voted on by the players themselves. If you are a fan of the Carolina Panthers, this yearly recurring list may have slipped your mind as it’s the first edition since 2023 that features a player currently on the Panthers roster. Former Panthers linebacker Brian Burns was ranked a few times before being moved to the New York Giants prior to the 2024 season, leaving the Panthers franchise without representation for the last couple of years.

After securing the NFC South title and going toe-to-toe with a contending Los Angeles Rams in the Wildcard round, the franchise has garnered enough respect to earn its players some votes. With less than 20 players having been revealed thus far, we’ve already seen a whopping 3 Panthers:

• Bryce Young, Quarterback, 98th overall
• Derrick Brown, Defensive Lineman, 90th overall
• Tetairoa McMillan, Wide Receiver, 87th overall

While it is a welcome surprise to see 3 Panthers already listed, the startling aspect is which 3 Panthers were chosen and the order of their appearances. Young’s appearance can be understood as he plays the most visible position in the entire league and his story was a major talking point throughout the season as he racked up game-winning drive after game-winning drive. Rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan being ranked ahead of defensive stalwart Derrick Brown is the eye-opener, though. While McMillan’s campaign that earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year was impressive, Brown’s consistency and impact as one of the league’s best defensive lineman is deserving of much more respect.

With more than 75% of the list still to come, though, could there be more Panthers yet to be revealed? I believe there are a few who may have an opportunity.

Mike Jackson, Cornerback

This is the longest shot of the players I will mention, which is a travesty because Jackson was one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the league last year. His 19 pass deflections lead the NFL and he was PFF’s 4th ranked cornerback for the season. Jackson’s consistency, reliability and playmaking in the biggest moments is a primary factor behind the the Panthers playoff push.

Devin Lloyd, Linebacker

While he spent the 2025 season on the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lloyd is on the Panthers roster for the 2026 season and that qualifies him for this discussion. Lloyd’s breakout 2025 campaign ended with him T-2nd in the NFL in interceptions and great marks according to PFF, having been the only linebacker with an 80.0 grade or higher in run defense, pass coverage and pass rushing. This earned the Panthers newest free agent LB a spot in the Pro Bowl and a 2nd Team All-Pro nod. Unfortunately, with the 1st Team All-Pro LB, Jack Campbell, having already appeared on the list at 88, Lloyd’s appearance seems unlikely.

Jaycee Horn, Cornerback

Saving the player with the best chance for last, if the Panthers only have 1 more player appear on this list, it is going to be Jaycee Horn. Horn was also T-2nd in the NFL with Lloyd and earned an appearance in the Pro Bowl as well. Beyond that, though, Horn has the name recognition to help win what is ostensibly a popularity contest among the NFL players who submit their ballots. A former top 10 pick in the NFL Draft, multiple Pro Bowls and a litany of highlight plays – with no cornerbacks currently revealed, Horn has by far the best opportunity on the team to appear next.