The Carolina Panthers have been making waves early in free agency, aggressively reshaping their roster. But has all this movement altered their approach to the 2025 NFL Draft? With the eighth overall pick in hand, they have plenty of intriguing options to consider.
While some teams enter the draft with clear-cut needs, Carolina’s recent activity has given them some flexibility. So, what are the experts saying? Let’s dive into the latest first-round projections from some of the most respected mock drafts in the business.
Draft Wire: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Expert: Curt Popejoy
Take: If you’re looking for a cornerback who can lock down an entire side of the field, Will Johnson could be your guy. The Panthers, already boasting Jaycee Horn in their secondary, would have a lethal duo with Johnson in the mix. His size, instincts, and ball-hawking skills make him one of the most complete cornerback prospects in the draft. With the way the NFL is trending toward high-powered passing attacks, shoring up the secondary could be a smart move.
CBS Sports: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Expert: Chris Trapasso
Take: Trapasso agrees with Popejoy—Johnson would be a fantastic addition to Carolina’s defense. His combination of elite footwork and playmaking ability would solidify the Panthers' cornerback duo, giving them a much-needed boost against top-tier receivers in the league. If Carolina wants to strengthen its pass defense, Johnson is the kind of pick that could pay immediate dividends.
USA Today: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
Expert: Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
Take: The Panthers had their eyes on bolstering the defensive line in free agency, but after missing out on defensive tackle Milton Williams, they pivoted to Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III. Now, the draft gives them another chance to improve their front seven. Jalon Walker brings explosiveness and versatility, capable of playing as a traditional linebacker or lining up on the edge to rush the passer. If Carolina wants a disruptive force on defense, Walker could be the answer.
ESPN: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
Expert: Mel Kiper Jr.
Take: If you thought Walker was just a one-off prediction, think again. Mel Kiper Jr. is also on board with the idea that Carolina should add this Georgia star to their defense. The numbers speak for themselves—Walker racked up 62 tackles and 6.5 sacks in 2024. With the Panthers struggling last season, allowing an ugly 6.0 yards per play and surrendering 31.4 points per game, there’s a clear need for more impact players on that side of the ball. Walker’s speed and first-step explosiveness could be a game-changer.
NFL.com: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Expert: Daniel Jeremiah
Take: Defensive line was a weak spot for the Panthers in 2024, and missing out on Milton Williams in free agency only made the issue more glaring. But fear not—Mason Graham could be the perfect solution. Jeremiah notes that Carolina ranked dead last in total yards and points allowed last season, making this pick a no-brainer if they want to plug some holes up front. Graham’s strength and quickness would immediately upgrade the defensive line.
Pro Football Focus: Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Expert: John Kosko
Take: If Jeremiah is high on Graham, so is Kosko. Despite concerns over Graham’s weight at the NFL Combine, his tape tells a different story—his career PFF overall grade of 92.5 speaks volumes. Carolina desperately needs a presence in the trenches, and Graham’s ability to shed blockers and disrupt plays could make him a steal at No. 8 overall.
Yahoo Sports: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Expert: Charles McDonald
Take: If the Panthers are willing to take a gamble, Shemar Stewart could be their guy. His production at Texas A&M has been inconsistent, but his athletic traits are off the charts. With a 4.59-second 40-yard dash and an NFL-ready frame, Stewart has the potential to develop into a premier edge rusher. Considering Carolina’s defense ranked dead last in pressure percentage (25.2%) last season, taking a high-upside pass rusher might be a necessary risk.
The 33rd Team: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Expert: Kyle Crabbs
Take: The Panthers didn’t just sit on their hands in free agency—they made moves to improve their defense, signing Bobby Brown, Trevon Moehrig, and Tershawn Wharton. But there’s still more work to do. Jihaad Campbell could be the missing piece in the middle of the defense, a linebacker who can tie everything together. His instincts and sideline-to-sideline range make him an intriguing option for Carolina.
What’s the Best Move for Carolina?
With so many options on the table, Carolina’s decision ultimately comes down to what they value most. Do they prioritize locking down the secondary with a top-tier cornerback? Do they want a game-changing linebacker to clean up plays at all levels? Or do they shore up the defensive line with a dominant interior presence?
The Panthers’ aggressive approach in free agency shows they’re serious about fixing their defense, but they still have room for improvement. Whoever they pick at No. 8 will need to be an immediate contributor if they want to turn things around from last season’s struggles.
Final Thoughts
One thing’s for sure—Carolina is in a prime position to add a difference-maker. Whether it’s Will Johnson, Jalon Walker, Mason Graham, Shemar Stewart, or Jihaad Campbell, the Panthers can’t afford to miss. With their recent free-agent signings setting the foundation, this draft pick could be the final piece that helps them take a big step forward in 2025.
The clock is ticking, and all eyes will be on Carolina come draft night. Will they play it safe or roll the dice on a high-upside prospect? Either way, the decision they make could define their season.
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