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Panthers Land Perfect Mike Jackson Replacement in New 2027 Mock Draft
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- Panthers Land Perfect Mike Jackson Replacement in New 2027 Mock Draft
The Carolina Panthers are at a turning point right now in the 2026 season.
The team suffered another loss in Week 8 , so they're now sitting at 3-4. The good news is, the NFC South is still very winnable. The Panthers can still turn things around and head to the playoffs once again, but they're going to have to play much better than they have recently.
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One of the reasons for the team's recent struggles is the banged-up secondary. Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn, both starting corners, are on injured reserve. Jackson and Horn were one of the best corner duos in the league last year, so the defense is hurting without them.
The thing is, even without injuries, the Panthers might have to prepare for life without Jackson. The star corner can test free agency after the season , but luckily, the team could land a perfect replacement in the 2027 draft.
Latest Mock has Panthers Replacing Jackson with Ellis Robinson IV
Georgia defensive back Ellis Robinson IV (1) celebrates after an incomplete pass in the end zone against Alabama during the 2025 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 6, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.© Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports recently published an updated mock draft. In Wilson's mock, the Panthers select Georgia cornerback Ellis Robinson IV with the No. 19 pick in the first round.
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Robinson is considered one of the top corners in the 2026 class. The Georgia star has played in eight games in 2026 and has 15 tackles, five pass breakups, and two interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus , Robinson has allowed just a 36.7% completion percentage in man coverage in 2026.
"Robinson doesn't know — nor does he care — that he's only 180 lbs. In that sense, he's a combination of Denzel Ward and Devon Witherspoon," says Wilson . "He's a twitchy, instinctive outside CB who can play man or zone and has the ball skills to turn tight coverage into takeaways."
This is exactly the kind of player the Panthers need if Jackson leaves. Robinson could immediately step into that starting role opposite Horn , and his size and speed could ensure the Panthers' secondary doesn't lose a step.
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Through three seasons at Georgia, Robinson has 38 tackles, 12 pass breakups, and six interceptions. Robinson led the SEC with four interceptions in 2025, and he's no slouch as a run defender either.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
