Most experts believe the Carolina Panthers will focus on the defensive side of the ball, but several exciting playmakers could bolster Bryce Young’s supporting cast.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β After months of hype and anticipation, the 2025 NFL Draft is finally here and Carolina Panthers fans will finally know the team’s next first-round pick on Thursday.Β
Two years after having the first overall pick in the draft, the Panthers currently have the No. 8 pick in the first round. And while most experts believe the Panthers will select a defensive player, an offensive playmaker would excite fans and bolster quarterback Bryce Young’s supporting cast.Β
The Tennessee Titans have the first pick and it’s all but certain they’ll draft Miami QB Cam Ward. Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter is expected to be the No. 2 pick for Cleveland. From there, it’s anybody’s guess starting with the third overall selection, which is currently held by the New York Giants.Β
Be sure toΒ join WCNC+ for NFL Draft coverage. Sports anchors Nick Carboni and Danielle Stein will be joined by Locked On Sports for special draft coverage. The special programming begins at 7 p.m. ET and will be streamed liveΒ on WCNC+ for free. Here’s how youΒ download WCNC+ on your TV.
Defensive needs
The Panthers had one of the worst defenses in NFL history last year. The 534 points allowed by the Panthers were the most by any team in league history and they only forced 17 turnovers in 18 games. So if you’re wondering why shoring up the defense, that’s why.Β
When you throw in the fact that the reigning Super Bowl champions built their team in the trenches, it becomes even clearer that Carolina will likely focus on that side of the ball. “NFL RedZone” host Scott Hanson told WCNC Charlotte that general managers are looking at Philadelphia as the blueprint for building a championship roster.Β
“Go back and look at what they did,” Hanson said. “They used draft capital on defense, defense, defense. You’ve got to stop people in the NFL, you’ve got to slow them down to let your team score one more point than your opponent.”
Players under consideration for Carolina
General Manager Dan Morgan seems prepared to trade out of the No. 8 spot if the draft board falls his way. But should Morgan keep the pick, there are a handful of prospects who have been linked to Carolina.Β
Jalon Walker, Georgia LB
The Salisbury native is the player most connected to the Panthers’ draft process lately. He’s a hybrid linebacker who can play several positions, but Morgan said the Panthers consider him an outside linebacker who can rush the passer.Β
He’s the son of former Catawba College coach Curtis Walker and is familiar with Carolina’s impressive linebacker lineage that includes Thomas Davis, Luke Kuechly and Kevin Greene.Β
RELATED: Jalon Walker shines from Salisbury football fields to NFL dreams.
Mason Graham, Michigan DT
It would take a lot for this one to happen, as Graham’s been projected as high as No. 4 overall by some mock drafts. If he falls to 8, Morgan might race to the podium with the pick faster than Chuba Hubbard runs to the endzone. Graham was a first-team All-American and has the chops to be a franchise cornerstone for whoever picks him.Β
Mykel Williams
Another Georgia defender, Williams battled through injury last season. Despite that, he managed 8.5 tackles for loss and 5 sacks. He also forced two fumbles. The Panthers could potentially trade down and still select Williams, but there’s a chance they’d gamble on his physical upside at No. 8.Β
Offensive players are exciting … but don’t bank on it
Tyler Warren, Tight End, Penn State
Everyone is looking for the next Brock Bowers. Warren may be it after a phenomenal season in Happy Valley. He was a tight end who finished seventh in the Heisman Trophy voting and could be a mismatch. Maybe the Panthers trade down and he’s there, but this doesn’t seem very likely.Β
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Another big target for Bryce Young if the Panthers stray from defense in Round 1. McMillan was third in FBS with 1,319 receiving yards at 15.7 yards per reception. He set the Wildcats’ school record with 3,423 career receiving yards and was a first-team AP All-American this year.
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