CHARLOTTE — The echoes of fans and fireworks are still ringing through Bank of America Stadium and Uptown Charlotte, excitement over the first home playoff game in 10 years keeping vibes high heading into the offseason. But it is time to turn towards a new year, and with it, a new draft class.

The path to the draft officially kicks off Monday in Mobile, Alabama, with the Panini Senior Bowl. Over 130 of some of the nation's top prospects will descend on the Port City for a week of workouts, practices, and hours of meetings with all 32 teams. They come from a range of schools and cover every position from quarterback to long snapper.

With that in mind, here are five players for Panthers fans to keep an eye on through the week of Senior Bowl practice and in next Saturday's game.

*This article was previously published with Rueben Bain and D'Angelo Ponds listed. They have since reportedly pulled out of Senior Bowl week.

KC Concepcion: WR, Texas A&M

Concepcion is not only a first-round prospect receiver, but a Charlottean as well (starring at Chambers High). He began his career at NC State before finishing off his junior season at Texas A&M. And what a career it was. He won the 2025 Paul Hornung award, annually given to college football's most versatile player. His 2025 season alone, Concepcion had 61 receptions for 919 yards and nine touchdowns, plus 10 rushes for 75 yards and a rushing touchdown.

The receiver also served as the Aggies' punt returner, taking 26 returns for 456 yards, including two for touchdowns.

Concepcion is freaky fast and can stretch the field as such, and he led all SEC wide receivers in receptions resulting in either a first down or a touchdown (48).

Jalon Kilgore: Safety, South Carolina

A versatile and big-bodied defensive back, Kilgore has both the intangibles and smarts to be an exciting nickel or safety prospect this draft class. He's 6-1 and 211 pounds, and is leaving school as a true junior, meaning he's young with a high ceiling. In his final year with the Gamecocks, Kilgore was named a permanent team captain.

During his three years in Columbia, Kilgore averaged 59 tackles a season, seven passes defensed, and 2.6 interceptions a year. He also served as a punt returner, although that was primarily his freshman year, when he returned nine punts for 49 yards.

Pro Football Focus graded Kilgore's tackling in 2025 at 77.7 overall. Mock drafts largely have him projected as a day-three prospect.

Jude Bowry: OT, Boston College

Maryland's top tackle prospect coming out of high school, Bowry, has spent the past three years with Boston College. He was named the starting left tackle in 2024 and has been there ever since. He's explosive, and pass-rushers have a hard time getting past him, but scouting reports suggest that his arm length could kick him into the interior at the NFL level. It will be interesting to see how coaches and scouts use him during Senior Bowl practices to get a better sense of how the league sees Bowry.

Kyle Louis: LB, Pittsburgh

Louis spent three years with the Panthers dominating the middle of the field. His 2024 season especially saw him finish with 100 tackles, and 7.0 sacks. His last two seasons overall, Louis accumulated 179 tackles, 10.0 sacks and six interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.

Projected as a Day 2 pick, Louis is a little undersized for an NFL linebacker, but his 6-1, 220 pound frame could convert to a big safety. Keep an eye on how coaches and scouts line him up during practice this week for a better idea of how he could convert his tough, ball-hawking game to the league.

Max Iheanachor: OT, Arizona State

Iheanachor is such an interesting prospect, especially as an offensive tackle. A Nigerian native, he played soccer for most of his childhood and adolescent years, before switching to basketball. He didn't turn to football until late in his teenage years at community college.

He's 6-6, 330 pounds, and is quick on his feet—and benefit of playing soccer and basketball for so many years—making him an ideal tackle to mold for the next level. With the Sun Devils, Iheanachor held his own against top pass-rushing talent in college football and has the chance to do so again this week in one-on-one drills, possibly catapulting his stock.