The 2027 NFL Draft feels like forever away, and we’re all caught up in the start of the NFL season. Regardless, it’s never too early to look ahead to the Draft. This weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2027 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile will focus on Ole Miss Rebels defensive lineman Will Echoles.
Echoles (6’3″, 310 lbs.) was a consensus four star recruit from Mississippi, playing both sides of the ball. He enrolled early at Ole Miss and even suited up as a true freshman despite the Ole Miss defensive line having four future NFL players at the time. He still saw the field in eight games and limited snaps. Echoles took over the starting role as a true sophomore, playing in 15 games for the Rebels. He accumulated seven sacks, six passes defended, and 35 defensive stops. So far in 2026, he’s racked up 12 tackles, three for loss, and half a sack.
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Echoles has the size and strength to anchor the point of attack against the run. The offensive line is rarely able to move the line of scrimmage against him. On top of that, he’s shown the ability to split gaps and make stops in the backfield. That block beating ability also shows up in the pass rush, which is surprisingly good for an interior lineman. Echoles does an excellent job of using leverage to collapse the pocket and get his hands in the passing lanes to knock down passes.
While Echoles is great in a phone booth, it’s his ability in space that leaves something to be desired. His range is average at best, and he struggles to wrap up, missing ten tackles last season. His durability is great over the course of the game, but he does tend to tire after long drives leading to high pad levels.
If Echoles continues to grow this season, he’ll no doubt be a hot commodity in the NFL Draft. He’s got the level of disruption teams love to have on the first couple of downs and enough of a pass rush to make him a true three down lineman. Where he goes in the Draft will depend largely on how well he improves his tackling ability. It’s one thing to disrupt a running play to limit the gain; it’s another thing entirely to blow up a run and secure the TFL. The Panthers invested in the defensive line the last few years with mixed results. Derrick Brown is still one of the best tackles in the league, but free agent signings Turk Wharton and Bobby Brown III have had injury issues. They do have some decent depth with guys like Aaron Hall and Cam Jackson, but a player like Echoles could really change the Panthers front.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If Will Echoles is available when the Panthers select in the 2027 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!
