Carolina Panthers fans are reminiscing about the glory days—not so long ago—when playoff runs were expected and Super Bowl dreams were real. From 2013 to 2017, Carolina was a league force. However, in the seasons since, the team has been trapped in an extensive rebuild with a revolving door at head coach, shaky quarterback play, and a front office still searching for the right pieces to build around.
The NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and the Panthers’ eighth overall pick offers a significant opportunity to add an impact player to a roster in need.
The Carolina Panthers could blow the 2025 Draft—NFL analyst reveals what they must avoid
The Panthers have multiple needs heading into the draft. The team can look to improve at wide receiver, tight end, defensive end or free safety.
NFL draft expert Todd McShay believes the Panthers would be making a colossal blunder if they choose to go wide receiver with their first pick.
“Carolina at eight, needs a wide receiver,” McShay said. “Huge mistake if they do it there. I don’t think Dan Morgan is going to do that as the [General Manager]. Defensive guy, understands the importance. Take your pash rusher there whether it’s one of those Georgia guys, maybe.”
Todd McShay is NOT a fan of the #panthers taking a WR at 8 👀 pic.twitter.com/vj8EWqJn8G
— Two Growls One Roar (@2growls1roar) April 8, 2025
Quarterback Bryce Young will enter his third season, and the former Heisman Trophy winner has struggled to find consistency at the pro level. Part of Young’s struggle has been the team’s inability to provide an elite wide receiver option to make the game easier. In 2024, the team used the 32nd overall pick to draft Xavier Legette in the first round.
The former South Carolina standout responded with 49 catches for 497 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie in a solid campaign. The Panthers’ depth chart behind Legette leaves much to be desired, with veterans Adam Thielen and David Moore filling out the top three spots.
Thielen has three 1,000-yard seasons in his 11-year career but will be 35 years old when the season starts. Moore has logged seven seasons but has only managed 1,603 career yards and has never had a season with more than 450 receiving yards.
It’s easy to understand why the Panthers would take a hard look at the receiver position, but McShay believes the team should focus on improving their defensive line by adding a strong pass rusher. According to the latest PFSN mock draft, the Panthers are projected to select University of Georgia standout Jalon Walker with the eighth overall pick.
It’s worth pointing out that Carolina has a history of selecting wideouts in the first round, with Legette (2024), D.J. Moore (2018), and Kelvin Benjamin (2014) drafted over the past decade.