The Carolina Panthers are on the verge of wrapping up another dreadful season. Despite major investments into the offense last offseason, there's more work to be done. The rebuild continues.
A major part of the process will be the 2025 NFL Draft. With quarterback Bryce Young playing better as this season has progressed, the Panthers can confidently give Young another year to develop before making a major decision.
Our latest 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft for the Panthers aims to improve the roster so Young can flourish.
Carolina Panthers 7-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, No. 5: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
I went with the best player on my board for this pick. While going with a receiver is justified, the Panthers just need star power somewhere. Abdul Carter brings elite athleticism and a skill set that can be a foundational piece.
Helping the defense first absolutely helps Young and the offense. With Carter's huge upside and already impressive production as a first-year, full-time pass-rusher bodes incredibly well that he'll become a $100 million player in the future.
Round 2, No. 52: Evan Stewart, WR, Oregon
2024 hasn't brought the breakout season we had hoped for Evan Stewart, but his skill set is still valuable. A speedy playmaker who has unusual hand strength and finishing ability for a 170-pounder, Stewart is fast and efficient throughout his routes. Pairing him with Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker is a solid core.
The best part is Stewart works with any type of quarterback and fellow receivers. Even if the Panthers add Tee Higgins or another high-end playmaker, Stewart can make the most of a slot-based or vertical distraction role.
Round 3, No. 67: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
Maybe the most underrated cornerback in the class, Trey Amos is a Day 1 potential starter for Carolina. His 6-foot-1 frame and comfort in various coverage schemes have led to several great seasons with different programs. Amos was solid at Alabama in 2023 but great at Ole Miss as a senior.
His ball skills and ability to limit creation after the catch are especially valuable. I think he could make his way into the top 40 picks, so this is a strong choice as one of the steals of the mock.
Round 4, No. 108: Chris Paul Jr., LB, Ole Miss
With linebacker values at an all-time low, the Panthers nab someone who can log snaps for them in 2025 with a pick outside of the top 100. Chris Paul Jr. was one of the most well-rounded defenders in the nation, showing three-down value as a pass-rusher, hammer in the run game, and viable coverage threat. He's a rare prospect who had a minuscule missed tackle rate (4.5%) and 25 quarterback hurries.
Round 4, No. 112: Lathan Ransom, SAF, Ohio State
The theme of getting veteran and versatile defenders continues. The Ohio State defense has relied heavily on their talented safeties, and Lathan Ransom finally stayed healthy enough to justify it. Able to be in the box, free safety, or in the slot, Ransom's truly a playmaker who can be unleashed anywhere.
Carolina could find a role for him early, even as a third safety. Their current duo of Jordan Fuller and Xavier Woods is adequate but nothing special.
Round 5, No. 139: R.J. Harvey, RB, UCF
Some might be upset that I took a running back after Jonathon Brooks was a second-round pick last year and Chuba Hubbard earned a fat extension, but this is a value steal. With Brooks' future in question after taking the whole year to come back from a torn ACL, a backup is needed. Harvey is a three-down explosive threat.
With his low center of gravity, great first step, and power, Harvey will be one of the top backup rushers as soon as he's drafted.
Round 5, No. 143: Garrett Dellinger, OL, LSU
Nothing wrong with offensive line depth for a team still working on developing its trenches. Garrett Dellinger, 6-foot-5 and 322 pounds, fits the mold of Robert Hunt. A pass-blocking left guard with a strong base and hands, Dellinger is a phone booth presence. It's not hard to envision him filling in as an injury sub despite not being a dominant athlete in space.
Round 5, No. 158: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
One of my favorite defenders in the class, Cobee Bryant put together a tremendous senior campaign. I don't expect to see him last this long come April, and he's closer to the top 100 on my board. The long but lanky corner is one of the best off-man and zone defenders in the nation.
Adding three defensive backs in one class might be surprising, but again, depth is still an issue on this roster. Taking multiple stabs at quality players who competed at a high level can help unearth a gem. Bryant is a good candidate to become an eventual starter.
Round 7, No. 230: Will Sheppard, WR, Colorado
It looked like Will Sheppard might become a top 50 player after the 2023 season. He's had a rougher go of things in the last two years at Vandy and Colorado, but taking him with a late selection is a good way to bring him to camp and see what he can do. The 6-foot-3 playmaker thrives as an intermediate and vertical threat who can create a little separation.