Carolina Panthers NFL Draft 2025 Guide: Picks, Predictions, and Key Needs
The Carolina Panthers enter the 2025 NFL Draft at a pivotal moment in their franchise’s evolution. Following a tumultuous few seasons and a change at the quarterback position, the Panthers are in the process of reshaping their roster with the hopes of becoming a perennial contender in the NFC South and beyond. While the team’s success in the 2024 season could influence their draft strategy, one thing is clear: the 2025 NFL Draft could be crucial in setting the direction for the Panthers’ future.
The Panthers will need to address several key areas as they move forward, and while some of their immediate needs may be dictated by their performance in the 2024 season, there are certain positions and areas of weakness that have been glaring for years. This guide will break down Carolina’s picks, key needs, and some potential predictions as the Panthers look to make their mark in the 2025 draft.
Carolina Panthers’ 2025 NFL Draft Picks
As of now, the Panthers hold several crucial picks in the upcoming draft, setting them up for a chance to bolster both sides of the ball. The draft order can shift based on trades or performance in the 2024 season, but here’s an early look at their expected picks:
- First Round: 1st overall (via trade with Chicago Bears in 2024)
- Second Round: 1st pick, 33rd overall
- Third Round: 1st pick, 65th overall
- Fourth Round: 1st pick, 97th overall
- Fifth Round: 1st pick, 129th overall
- Sixth Round: 1st pick, 161st overall
- Seventh Round: 1st pick, 193rd overall
The Panthers’ first-round pick is especially critical this year, as they will likely be looking to secure either a franchise quarterback or bolster other key positions depending on how their 2024 season shakes out. The second and third-round picks will also be crucial, allowing the Panthers to address multiple positions of need with impactful talent.
Key Needs for the Panthers Heading into the 2025 Draft
The Panthers’ roster is far from complete, and there are several positions where they need significant upgrades. While some of these needs may change based on free agency moves or the development of young players, here are the top areas of concern that the Panthers are likely to target in the 2025 NFL Draft:
1. Quarterback (Franchise QB)
One of the most glaring needs for the Panthers remains the quarterback position. Carolina has been in search of a franchise signal-caller since the departure of Cam Newton. Despite attempts with Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Matt Corral, the team has failed to establish long-term stability at quarterback.
In 2024, the Panthers made a bold move by trading up for the 1st overall pick in the draft, which will likely lead them to select their future quarterback. Caleb Williams (USC) and Drake Maye (UNC) are two of the top candidates, and both are projected to be elite talents with the potential to elevate a franchise. Williams is seen as a generational talent with his accuracy, mobility, and poise, while Maye is a more traditional pocket passer with excellent mechanics and football IQ.
If the Panthers find their quarterback of the future in 2025, it could dramatically change the trajectory of their franchise, providing the stability and leadership they’ve lacked at the position for years.
2. Wide Receiver (Elite Playmaker)
Even with the selection of DJ Moore in the 2018 draft and some promising seasons from players like Terrace Marshall Jr., the Panthers’ wide receiver corps remains a work in progress. While Adam Thielen was signed in 2024 to provide veteran leadership, the Panthers still lack a true elite, game-breaking receiver who can change the course of a game.
A top-tier wide receiver will be especially important if Carolina drafts a rookie quarterback in 2025. Players like Marvin Harrison Jr. (Ohio State), Brock Bowers (Georgia), or Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) could be potential candidates, providing an immediate weapon for a young quarterback and bolstering the offense overall.
Additionally, the development of Laviska Shenault and Terrace Marshall Jr. will likely factor into the Panthers’ decision-making process, but bringing in a high-caliber, elite playmaker would elevate the unit as a whole.
3. Offensive Line (Interior Help and Depth)
Carolina’s offensive line has seen incremental improvements in recent years, but there are still glaring issues to address. The interior of the line has been a weakness for some time, and while they have players like Ikem Ekwonu at left tackle and Austin Corbett at right guard, they need to find consistent play at center and right tackle.
A top-tier interior offensive lineman would be a great addition to provide better protection for the quarterback and establish a more consistent running game. There are several strong options at both guard and center positions in the draft, such as Joe Alt (Notre Dame), Zach Zinter (Michigan), and J.C. Latham (Alabama).
In addition to an interior upgrade, depth on the line is essential. Injuries and lack of depth can plague even the most talented offensive lines, and the Panthers will want to ensure they have reinforcements ready to contribute in case of injuries.
4. Edge Rusher (Pass Rush Depth)
The Panthers’ defense has some strong pieces in place, especially with standout players like Derrick Brown on the defensive line and Brian Burns at edge rusher. However, the Panthers need more pass-rush depth and consistency opposite Burns. While Burns has shown flashes of being a top-tier edge rusher, the Panthers could use another explosive, dynamic rusher to create pressure and disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
There are several exciting edge rushers in the 2025 class, such as Jared Verse (Florida State), Dallas Turner (Alabama), and Jayson Oweh (Penn State). These players could contribute immediately, giving the Panthers a much-needed boost in their pass rush and improving their overall defense.
5. Cornerback (Secondary Help)
While the Panthers have Jaycee Horn, a promising young cornerback, their secondary could still use help, particularly in depth and establishing another reliable starting corner. With the rise of talented wide receivers across the league, it’s essential for Carolina to have a second shutdown corner to avoid getting exposed in coverage.
Cornerbacks like Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama) and Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) would be valuable additions to the Panthers’ secondary. A dynamic cornerback would not only bolster Carolina’s defense but could also give them the ability to match up against high-powered offenses in the NFC South, such as the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons.
Predictions for the 2025 NFL Draft
Given the Panthers’ needs, here are some predictions for their 2025 draft:
- First Round (1st overall pick): Caleb Williams, QB, USC The Panthers will likely select Caleb Williams with the 1st overall pick. Williams is widely considered the best quarterback prospect in this class, with elite mobility, vision, and playmaking ability. He would be an ideal fit to build the future of the Panthers’ offense around.
- Second Round (33rd overall pick): Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State With their second-round pick, the Panthers could target Marvin Harrison Jr., one of the most polished wide receivers in recent memory. His combination of size, speed, and route-running would provide a lethal weapon for Williams and give the Panthers’ offense an immediate upgrade.
- Third Round (65th overall pick): Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame A versatile and athletic tackle, Joe Alt would help solidify the Panthers’ offensive line. The Panthers need depth and talent up front to protect their new quarterback, and Alt could be a day-one starter.
- Fourth Round (97th overall pick): Jared Verse, EDGE, Florida State Jared Verse is a disruptive force with the potential to develop into a top-tier pass rusher in the NFL. Adding him alongside Brian Burns would give the Panthers a much-needed boost in their defensive line.
- Fifth Round (129th overall pick): Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame Adding depth to the secondary with Benjamin Morrison, a talented cornerback, would address one of the Panthers’ weaker spots. Morrison has the tools to start early in his career and could be a great fit opposite Jaycee Horn.
