5 emergіng cаndіdаteѕ for tһe Cаrolіnа Pаntһerѕ' fіrѕt-round 2025 NFL Drаft pіck

With the NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, attention turns to the next phase for the 2025 draft class. What the Carolina Panthers will do at No. 8 overall has yet to be determined, but this represents a monumental event for general manager Dan Morgan.

Questions remain about much of the 2024 draft class and their futures on the team, especially the team's first two picks — Xavier Legette and Jonathon Brooks. Morgan and the front office must find prospects who will produce early instead of the projects they’ve drafted in recent years, which have failed to pan out overall.

Many expect the Panthers to prioritize defensive players in this draft. Carolina had statistically the worst defense in NFL history, yet they retained defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. They don't believe his 3-4 scheme is the problem, so improving the personnel is crucial.

What the Panthers do in the draft depends heavily on how they fill some holes in free agency. Last year Carolina revamped the offensive line with the blockbuster signings of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. Many anticipate the same being done on the other side of the ball this time.

Carolina has been notorious in recent years for not hitting on many of its draft picks. This is one of the many reasons why former general manager Scott Fitterer was relieved of his duties. Morgan was involved in that decision-making process, so there's pressure to hit on his nine selections and allow head coach Dave Canales to succeed.

Without further ado, let’s look at five early candidates for the Panthers in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Early candidates for the Carolina Panthers' first-round pick in 2025

Carolina Panthers could draft Mykel Williams

The fact that so many analysts projected Mykel Williams to the Carolina Panthers in their post-combine mocks was telling. People talk and the rumor mill swirls in Indianapolis. Sometimes it comes to nothing. On other occasions, there's substance attached.

Williams is a highly athletic edge rusher with moderate college production. Many see him as a project, although that's not the consensus among scouts based on murmurings. His impact on games went way beyond the stat sheet. He's even being touted as an elite-level prospect according to reports.

The edge presence boasts outstanding physical traits and explosive tendencies. He comes from a prestigious program and emerged as a core piece of Georgia's defensive puzzle. Whether it's enough for the Panthers to take him at No. 8 overall is another matter.

Dan Morgan cannot afford to miss on this pick. If there's even the slightest doubt regarding Williams, he should look elsewhere.

Carolina Panthers could draft Mason Graham

Defensive Line | Michigan Wolverines

For many Carolina Panthers fans, this would be the dream scenario.

Heading into the NFL Scouting Combine, most expected Mason Graham to be a consensus top-five pick with the likelihood being he doesn't make it past the Jacksonville Jaguars. But his measurables brought this status into question.

The former Michigan Wolverine weighed in at 296 pounds, down from the 320 in Ann Arbor. His 32-inch arms also raised concerns. This could lead the player to fall into the lap of Carolina. In a recent article, Joe Person from The Athletic wrote that the Panthers would “love to see” Graham fall to No. 8.

If Graham somehow makes it to No. 8, this should be the easiest pick Dan Morgan makes over draft weekend. For too long now we’ve seen Carolina obsess when it comes to athletic traits and measurables as opposed to production and film. One look at the defensive lineman's college production should tell the Panthers everything they need to know.

Pairing Graham with the returning Derrick Brown and potentially a free-agency addition such as Milton Williams would give the Panthers a formidable defensive front. This would go some way to achieving Morgan's goal of revamping the defensive line the way he did with the offensive line last year.

Carolina Panthers could draft Shemar Stewart

Edge Rusher | Texas A&M Aggies

From a dream scenario at No. 8 to what some Panthers fans see as a nightmare pick.

Every year we see a prospect shoot up draft boards because of their performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. Just look at two years ago when the NFL world became enamored with quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Texas A&M’s Shemar Stewart seems to be the darling of 2025. At 6-foot-5 and 267 pounds, the edge rusher ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash and had a 40-inch vertical leap — mind-blowing athleticism from the Miami native.

However, despite the traits, Stewart's production is nothing short of subpar.

In his three years with the Aggies, the pass-rusher totaled just 4.5 sacks — 1.5 each year. To put these numbers into context, the much-maligned D.J. Johnson had six sacks in his best season at Oregon, 1.5 more than Stewart had his entire college career.

Based on how Carolina has drafted in previous years, Stewart seems very much in play at No. 8. But for a roster lacking as much talent as it currently does, the prospect should be seen as a luxury pick. His tape and production don't represent someone who should be taken in the top 10.

Carolina has drafted in the past based on traits alone and it hasn't come off. Jonathon Mingo, Johnson, and Terrace Marshall Jr. immediately come to mind. Stewart is not in a position to impact this defense from day one. When you’re joining the worst defensive unit in the league as a top-10 pick, being a project isn’t an option.

Carolina Panthers could draft Tetairoa McMillan

Wide Receiver | Arizona Wildcats

With the Carolina Panthers’ defense being as bad as it was in 2024, it seems many have become set on the idea that Dan Morgan will go with a defensive player at pick No. 8. But neglecting the offense — specifically the wide receiver room — wouldn't be smart.

The WR1 currently is still Adam Thielen. While he is as dependable as ever, he will be 35 years old once the season starts.

Jalen Coker defied expectations as an undrafted free agent and looks to be a key piece moving forward. Despite being taken in the first round, Xavier Legette flattered to deceive. While fans saw some highlights, there were concerning issues that must be addressed. It has only been one season, but the former South Carolina star doesn’t look like he’ll grow into a true WR1.

Carolina may add a WR1 in free agency, but the likes of Tee Higgins and Garrett Wilson are not available. If they can fortify the defense in free agency, the possibility of drafting Tetairoa McMillan would seem to grow.

The Panthers have lacked a deep ball threat since drafting Bryce Young. McMillan has some things to iron out in his game. Even so, he would immediately improve Carolina's receiving room and give the quarterback a viable option for the deep ball.

Carolina Panthers could draft Jalon Walker

Linebacker/Edge Rusher | Georgia Bulldogs

The name most linked to the Panthers since the offseason began has without doubt been Georgia prospect Jalon Walker. The Salisbury, North Carolina native has been a popular pick in various mock drafts and certainly fits into the “dawg” mantra that Dan Morgan wants.

Similar to Shemar Stewart, Walker didn’t have elite production at the collegiate level. Not only did he outperform him, but the hybrid linebacker/edge rusher was also part of Georga's defense stacked with future NFL talent. His 6.5 sacks in 2024 show the skillset is there.

The issue for Walker at the next level will be finding his role. At 6-foot-1 and 247 pounds, he is likely too small to be a full-time edge. This could see teams deploy him as a versatile weapon.

Frankie Luvu had immense success in both Carolina and the Washington Commanders. At 6-foot-3 and 236 pounds, there is comparable size to Walker.

One only had to watch Carolina last season to see how much they missed Luvu. It’s fair to argue that Walker would be a long-term replacement with a smooth transition.

Depending on how the board falls, Walker could be a trade-back option potentially in the early teens. But he is certainly a viable option for Carolina in the first round.