The Carolina Panthers showed signs of progress in 2024 and look to take a step forward. As they head into the 2025 NFL Draft under second year head coach Dave Canales, one key factor will be building around QB Bryce Young going into his third season.
As you would expect from a team that only won five games, they have several positions of need. So with just under a month to go before the draft, which direction will they go? It comes down to two positions. It's a sigh of relief for Panthers fans to say quarterback isn't a need.
After a rough start, Young showed playmaking ability that made him the top overall pick in 2023, and the RB room might be one of the strongest in the NFL with the emergence of Chuba Hubbard as a legitimate star. Not to mention, the free agent signing of 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle and the long-term upside of 2024 2nd round pick Jonathon Brooks. The offensive line isn't elite, but they're deep. And at tight end, last year's 4th round pick, Ja'Tavion Sanders, showed enough as a rookie to be given a longer look.
At Wide Receiver, Carolina has some exciting young players. Xavier Leggette (24) and Jalen Coker (23), along with solid production from Adam Thielen, but they lack a true No. 1 wideout. It's a top need for the Panthers and could help open up the offense for Young.
They'll likely have their choice of WR, except for Heisman winner Travis Hunter, who is expected to be gone in the top five picks. Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan is a guy who's been linked to the Panthers and for good reason. His size, toughness, and ability to make contested catches would be huge for Young's development. Another top ten potential option is Texas WR Matthew Golden, a 5'11" burner who could stretch the field for this up and coming offense.
The receiver position may not be the most glaring need, but for this young offense becoming even more dangerous they need to think about adding pieces to compete. The Panthers could look like they did at the end of last season. It would also make games at Bank of America pretty fun to watch. Anything to build on the confidence of Young should be considered a huge win. That starts with a go-to target down the field.
While the offense made strides last year, the other side of the ball was another story. The Panthers were last in the NFL for yards and points allowed. They have needs on every level of this defense and it can't be ignored. The free agent signing of safety Tre'Von Moehrig helped the secondary, but they need another safety to go with their solid corners Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. They could use another inside linebacker to assist Josey Jewell, and on the defensive line, they need Pro Bowler Derrick Brown to be healthy after playing in only one game last year.
While several mocks have Carolina taking a defensive tackle, new additions Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III should make an impact. While Michigan DT Mason Graham would undoubtedly make this an impressive front, the place the Panthers can likely take the largest step forward in 2025 is edge rusher. They were tied for 30th in sacks after trading away Brian Burns to the New York Giants. They need a disruptor who can pressure the quarterback. It's the second need for the Panthers and key going into 2025.
Let's assume Penn State standout Abdul Carter is long gone by No. 8 and it becomes a 'next man up' situation, there are a few names that should likely be available. Georgia has two elite edge guys expected to go early in the first round. Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams could be a game-changer in the right situation. Williams would certainly help the run defense, but I like Walker's versatility to both rush the passer and play off ball as a linebacker.
For a team with so many needs, versatility could be key to success. One other guy to keep an eye on is Marshall's Mike Green, who's upside is off the charts. If he played in the SEC, he would have top five pick potential. But the level of competition he faced for the Thundering Herd in the Sun Belt has some scouts hesitant of how he'll adapt at the next level. Any of these three would represent a massive upgrade to the Panthers' pass rush efforts, and I'd argue would be the position to make the biggest immediate impact.
Whether it's a playmaker in the passing game to help the development of Bryce Young, or an edge rusher to help turn around this defense, the Panthers are in a great spot to keep the momentum going in 2025
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This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 10:12 AM.
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