The Carolina Panthers were far from good in 2024, posting a 5-12 record and finishing tied for last in the NFC South. But with Bryce Young established as the quarterback of the future after returning with a vengeance following his mid-season benching, the team now needs to provide him with the weapons to help him flourish.
They’ve failed to do that so far this offseason, but PFSN’s latest seven-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft from Brentley Weissman predicts they will add decent weapons, which include an edge, a wide receiver, and a center at the top of the draft haul.
8) Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
The Panthers had the worst defense in the NFL last season, and while they have added S Tre’von Moehrig, DT Tershawn Wharton, DT Bobby Brown III, and EDGE Patrick Jones II in the offseason so far, Carolina needs more depth in the pass rush as Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum are set to be free agents next season.
They would receive a significant boost with Georgia’s Jalon Walker, who could be an instant starter and potentially serve as No.1 edge rusher.
“The Carolina Panthers took significant strides to end the year last season but are still a ways away from consistently competing defensively. Adding more pass-rush help might just be what this team needs to take the next step,” Weissman said.
“Jalon Walker is a tweener but has terrific burst, bend, and finish. He may lack size and length, but his speed and ability to flatten make it hard for him to block up front.”
Walker exploded for a dominant 2024 season, winning the Butkus Award. He led the Bulldogs in tackles for loss with 11 and sacks with 6.5. Walker also totaled 60 tackles, good for fourth-best on his team. Additionally, he finished the season with 34 total pressures and 22 QB hurries, per PFF.
57) Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford
The Panthers have one of the shallowest wide receiver rooms in the NFL, and after last year’s first-round pick, Xavier Legette, underperformed, Carolina needs a new receiving weapon. Elic Ayomanor is a big-bodied boundary X receiver and has the physical tools to thrive along the perimeter with Carolina.
“Carolina has made small steps in improving its receiver room, and it has to hope that last year’s first-round pick, Xavier Legette, continues to develop. Even with Legette in the fold, adding another playmaker should be a priority for Carolina. Elic Ayomanor has excellent hands and ball skills and is physical at the catch point,” Weissman said.
74) Jared Wilson, OC, Georgia
It was a transitional year for the Panthers’ offense, but the offensive line wasn’t one of the bigger problems for them in the grand scheme of their roster. Nevertheless, Carolina continues to upgrade it, and after re-signing center Austin Corbett, they could pursue Jared Wilson to add more depth.
“Jared Wilson is an undersized blocker who wins by taking good angles and positioning. He would come in and compete for depth for the Panthers,” Weissman said.
GET DRAFTING: Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
Wilson ran the fastest 40-yard dash among offensive linemen at the NFL Combine (4.84 seconds) and is ranked among a few NFL-ready prospects at his position in this class.
111) Anthony Belton, OT, NC State
Carolina has solid offensive tackles in Taylor Moton and Ikem Ekwonu, but passing on someone like Anthony Belton on Day 3 wouldn’t be a great choice. Belton was a three-year starter at NC State and brings massive size and exceptional pass-protection skills to the table.
114) CJ West, DT, Indiana
The Panthers have undergone a massive overhaul on the defensive end during the offseason, and given their struggles last season, they continue to add depth in the NFL Draft. Weissman predicts Carolina will draft Indiana defensive tackle CJ West, who recorded nine sacks and 68 solo tackles in his five-year college career.
140) Xavier Restrepo, WR, Miami (FL)
The Panthers missing out on a tight end in the draft meant they looked to add more depth to their receiver room instead, picking the Miami Hurricanes’ Xavier Restrepo 140th overall. He fits the profile of a slot receiver, and while he had a disastrous pro day, Restrepo is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
146) Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
Carolina adds more depth to the defensive line with the Nebraska DT Ty Robinson. He ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine at his position (4.83 seconds) and is coming off a career-best season where he totaled 37 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks. He also recorded four pass breakups, one blocked field goal, and one safety.
163) Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
The Panthers have a solid running back room with Chuba Hubbard as the starter and newly signed Rico Dowdle as the backup. They, however, lack a reliable RB3 and could add depth with Brashard Smith. The SMU Mustangs’ running back rushed for a career-best 1,332 yards and 14 touchdowns last season while also posting 327 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
230) Cam Jackson, DT, Florida
The Panthers wrap up the 2025 NFL Draft by adding more depth to the defensive line. Cam Jackson has been a reliable starter for the Gators during the last two seasons, tallying 37 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Sorry overall not that impressed. As already said you have way too many in some positions and nobody and others we need safety help
3DTs seems unlikely given money spent at that position in FA. Team is in serious need of safety and corner depth, and you have 0.
O-line is in serious need of some beef-eaters. This is what QB needs.