The Carolina Panthers are in an interesting spot heading into the 2025 draft. They have their QB–Bryce Young proved over the back half of the season that he should get a chance to play a full season as the starter. However, the Panthers have big needs outside of the QB that separate them from being a competitive team. The defense remains a big problem, but where do their positional needs rank? We broke them down, with the best fits for each spot.
1. EDGE Rusher
The Panthers finished the NFL season 31st in ESPN’s Pass Rush Win Rate. That is, well, abysmal to say the least. Carolina needs someone with some explosiveness to pair with DT Derrick Brown and EDGE Jadeveon Clowney, in order to make this defense really start to cook.
Best fits: Mike Green, Marshall, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Boston College, Elijah Ponder, Cal-Poly
2. Wide Receiver
With the growth of QB Bryce Young to wrap up the 2024 season, the priority should be surrounding Young with weaponry to help maximize Young’s talent. Receiver could be a big help, to get someone with some explosiveness and make Young’s life a lot easier.
Best fits: Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona, Elic Ayomanor, Stanford, Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
3. Cornerback
Finding someone opposite CB Jaycee Horn to shore up the pass defense is also big for the Panthers. Horn played well in 2024, but opposite of him CB Mike Jackson is going to be a free agent and beyond that you get into a motley crew of Dane Jackson and Chau Smith-Wade. The passing offenses the Panthers will see in the division are extremely potent, and good secondary play should be important.
Best fits: Travis Hunter, Colorado, Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame, Mac McWilliams, UCF
4. Defensive Tackle
Sensing a trend here? The Panthers’ defense was horrible last year, and the interior defensive line really lost some bite with Derrick Brown out of the lineup. A’Shawn Robinson is more than fine as a run defender, but another threat on the interior opposite of Brown could do real damage. I would really like Graham here, and if two QBs end up going early the Panthers could see him fall right into their lap.
Best fits: Mason Graham, Michigan, Jamaree Caldwell, Oregon, JJ Pegues, Ole Miss
