Five Position Groups that the Panthers Could Target in the 2025 NFL Draft

With mere days left before the 2025 NFL Draft, the stage is set to welcome this year’s rookie class. Draft season has already been full of excitement, with plenty of buzz about potential Round 1 surprises and bold moves. For the first time in the common draft era, all 32 teams hold a first-round pick. This year’s class features several big-name college stars, all confident that they're ready to make an impact from day one.

Given that the front office went defense-heavy in free agency, signing two defensive tackles, two linebackers, and a safety, while also locking in Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, what does that mean for this year’s draft picks? After last season exposed just how thin the roster was across multiple positions due to injuries, I’m all in on using the draft to bolster depth across the board. The real question is, how do we distinguish between what we want and what we actually need?

Alright, let’s see if we can make it through this without anyone throwing stones. Let’s kick things off by breaking down Carolina’s biggest needs. Here is a list of five position groups that the Carolina Panthers could target in the 2025 NFL Draft.

NEED: Edge Rushers

Jadeveon Clowney

The Panthers' defense took a major step back last season, finishing with the worst overall rating in the league and allowing an average of 224.7 passing yards per game. Yes, injuries played a role. And yes, we had Clowney holding down the edge, but that was about it. DJ Wonnum, after returning from injury, did provide some really promising assistance in the pass rush. But, with Clowney continuing to age and his best years are likely behind him, it makes perfect sense to bring in a young edge rusher, someone who can rotate in early, develop fast, and eventually start opposite him.

The Panthers have long been known for their tough, hard-nosed defensive identity, and last year was anything but that. This defense needs a true edge rusher, someone who can consistently pressure the quarterback and set the edge against the run.

Luckily, this draft class is stacked with young, high upside pass rushers. Abdul Carter out of Penn State would be an ideal fit, but it's unlikely he’ll still be on the board at Carolina’s No. 8 pick. Most mock drafts have the Panthers targeting Jalon Walker or Mykel Williams, if they go defense in the first round.

NEED: Defensive Backs

Jaycee Horn

The Panthers signed CB, Jaycee Horn, to a record-setting extension this offseason. While we have one elite player anchoring down our secondary, there's no doubt that the group needs to improve. We re-signed Mike Jackson as well, which should provide some stability and high-quality veteran play. However, the team let both of its starting safeties from 2024 walk in free agency; this was the right decision--as neither player deserved to be back as a starter--but it left us with some holes to fill. The team did bring in Trevon Moehrig in free agency, but we will have to bring in some additional competition and depth at the safety position within the draft. And, the team will be looking to bolster the cornerback room as well.

NEED: Linebackers

Trevin Wallace

The Panthers made the difficult decision to part ways with long-time linebacker, Shaq Thompson, this offseason. While we retained Josey Jewell and await the continued development of Trevin Wallace, there's no doubt that we should aim to bolster this room. Whether its drafting the next future starting linebacker or adding depth to the room, look for the Panthers to target the middle linebacker position in the draft.

Need / Want: MORE Offensive Weapons

Adam Thielen

Let me start by saying this, I’ve always been, and will continue to be, a huge supporter of Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, and Ja’Tavion Sanders. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: these guys represent the beginning of something special in Carolina. The heart and fight that Coker and Sanders showed, even in games that were long decided, embodied the true Keep Pounding spirit. They deserve to be part of the new foundation we're building here.

Now the real question becomes: who do we add next, when do we pull the trigger, and where do they fit?

A lot of Panthers fans have their eye on Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. Could he be that guy for Bryce Young, the next Greg Olsen in his prime? It’s a tempting thought.

But with the Panthers recently signing former basketball player-turned-tight end Colin Granger and re-signing Tommy Tremble, that brings the tight end room to six bodies. Given the current depth, it might be safe to say Tyler Warren is off the table, for now.

Want: RB

Chuba Hubbard

So here we are again, circling back to the idea of drafting another running back, this time sparked by Jonathan Brooks’ injury that’s already set to sideline him for the entire 2025 season. While I don’t necessarily hate the idea, it’s worth stepping back and looking at the current situation. Dave Canales has consistently emphasized the value of continuity, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing: the entire offensive line from last year’s opener is returning, and so is everyone else in their respective roles. Could this be the foundation Canales wants to build on? Then there’s the big addition of Rico Dowdle from the Cowboys—could he be the solution to the Brooks setback? He brings youthful energy to the backfield, and when paired with Chuba Hubbard, both coming off 1,000-yard seasons, it’s a duo that might already have the answer we’re looking for.

As the NFL Draft looms on the horizon, the stage is set for another seismic shift in the league’s landscape. For the prospects waiting to hear their names called, it's a life-changing moment, the culmination of years of sacrifice, and the beginning of a new chapter. For franchises, it’s a crossroads: the right pick can spark a resurgence, energize a fanbase, and lay the foundation for sustained success. But a misstep can deepen a spiral, leaving teams stuck in the same cycle of mediocrity wondering what went wrong once again.