Dan Morgan has plenty to contemplate after the NFL Scouting Combine. The Carolina Panthers have a lot of holes to fill and not much wiggle room financially to acquire free agents. That makes maximizing his draft assets even more important this spring.
Morgan wants to build through the draft and supplement any remaining needs from the veteran pool. The Panthers have nine selections at their disposal currently, so there’s flexibility regarding Carolina’s approach. Needs will alter depending on free agency, with rumors swirling about the organization looking to be aggressive in pursuit of finding immediate difference-makers to help their historically bad defense.
Time will tell on that one, but the Panthers are in a much better position than previous years. They have a functional offense and continuity across the coaching staff and front office. Carolina also has a potential franchise quarterback to build around after Bryce Young’s impressive resurgence once installed into the starting lineup.
The table is set for Morgan. If he can make the right acquisitions throughout the recruitment period, the Panthers will be a trendy pick to win the NFC South and reach the postseason. Anything less could see the team languishing in mediocrity for another campaign.
With this in mind, we took a look at how the Panthers could approach their 2025 NFL Draft selections in our post-combine seven-round mock using the Pro Football Network simulator. We’ll start with a trade-down from No. 8 overall.
Carolina Panthers 2025 mock draft after the NFL Scouting Combine
Carolina Panthers trade down from No. 8
Carolina Panthers
Atlanta FalconsDan Morgan didn’t see the benefit of trading up when asked about the possibility. The general manager was far more enthusiastic about trading down to acquire additional picks at some stage.
There is a big gap between No. 8 and when the Carolina Panthers next go on the clock at No. 57 overall. Morgan can rectify this by taking a slight shift down the first-round pecking order if the right opportunity presents itself. In this scenario, a deal is struck with the division rival Atlanta Falcons.
Trades between division adversaries are rare, but they are becoming more frequent. The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions have done deals with each other in recent years. The Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles made two trades together last offseason. It’s a calculated risk, but Morgan shouldn’t completely dismiss the possibility.
The Falcons give up No. 15, No. 46, and No. 221 in this year’s draft, together with a second-rounder in 2026 to further sweeten the pot. That would be difficult to turn down regardless of where it comes from.
Carolina Panthers draft Jalon Walker
- Linebacker | Georgia Bulldogs
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 15
The Carolina Panthers desperately missed Frankie Luvu last season. They waited too long to make the linebacker an acceptable offer and he signed for the Washington Commanders, reaching the NFC Championship game and earning second-team All-Pro honors for his exceptional efforts.
Finding a dynamic force at the second level capable of being utilized similarly to Luvu should be among Dan Morgan’s top priorities this offseason. Jalon Walker is being constantly linked to the Panthers. They might also be able to get him with a slight drop down from No. 8 overall.
Walker is a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher, providing Ejiro Evero with the versatility he didn’t possess during the previous campaign. Although he opted not to participate in on-field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine, the Georgia prospect reportedly made a big impression during interviews thanks to his high character and supreme football intelligence.
Coming from a prestigious program with a winning culture should smooth Walker’s transition. He’s exactly the sort of athlete Morgan should be looking for this offseason.
Carolina Panthers draft Derrick Harmon
- Defensive Line | Oregon Ducks
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 46
Adding to the defensive front is critical. The Panthers need to fortify the trenches and give Ejiro Evero’s defense a solid anchor that makes things easier for the entire unit.
Expect the Panthers to be active in free agency. There’s momentum building around a bombshell splash for Super Bowl winner Milton Williams. Regardless of whether this comes to fruition, Carolina needs to examine a deep draft class of defensive linemen for additional reinforcements.
Derrick Harmon represents a ton of value here. It would be surprising if the Oregon prospect made it out of the first round, but he’s right on the border despite putting his explosiveness on full display at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Harmon is a devastating pass-rusher from the interior with the wide base needed to hold his own on running plays. He’s got scope for further growth alongside Pro Bowl-caliber performer Derrick Brown. Opportunities in space should be plentiful if Williams or another prominent free agent arrives.
Carolina Panthers draft Jayden Higgins
- Wide Receiver | Iowa State Cyclones
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 57
There’s an obvious need to prioritize the defense. However, the Panthers also need to support quarterback Bryce Young by providing the tools needed to thrive entering a crucial third season for the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Going down the free-agent route is possible, although options are dwindling. This isn’t the best group of college wideouts, but several come with high upside with the scope to make an immediate contribution.
Jayden Higgins is gaining momentum at the right time. He’s got outstanding size for the receiver position with the consistent hands to match. Any questions about his athleticism were alleviated with a sensational performance at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Higgins was outstanding. He tested superbly well and looked the part during drills. This matches his tape, and he’s got the profile to improve with NFL-caliber coaching and Young’s presence under center.
The Panthers could use someone with Higgins’ skill set. His versatility and red-zone prowess look well-suited to Dave Canales’ schematic concepts
Carolina Panthers draft Kyle Kennard
- Edge Rusher | South Carolina Gamecocks
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 74
Finding help at the edge rushing spot is almost guaranteed for the Carolina Panthers this offseason. Drafting Jalon Walker and Derrick Harmon will help in this scenario. Considering the number of picks at Dan Morgan’s disposal, double-dipping wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
Kyle Kennard ticks the boxes. He’d be a young, explosive rotational piece behind Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum initially. There’s also a chance he could start much sooner than expected looking at the tools he brings to the table.
Kennard was a phenomenal pass-rushing force at South Carolina in 2024. There is some work ahead from a run-stopping capacity, but his physical attributes suggest improvements should arrive quickly. Until then, he could provide a level of dynamism on the edge that Ejiro Evero desperately needs to create more havoc in opposing backfields.
Carolina Panthers draft Jonas Sanker
- Safety | Virginia Cavaliers
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 110
Big changes are coming to the Panthers’ safety corps this offseason. Xavier Woods, Nick Scott, and Jordan Fuller are out of contract and won’t return. Sam Franklin Jr. could get another deal, but this would be for his special teams production more than anything else.
Expect the Panthers to fix this issue in free agency and the draft. Jevon Holland is being linked, but that won’t be cheap. Looking at the team’s need to find players capable of assisting against the run, Jonas Sanker makes sense at this stage of the selection process.
Sanker is athletically gifted and instinctive. He’s a physical force against the run and has experience at the nickel spot, highlighting his coverage ability. The closer to the line of scrimmage he’s deployed, the better he performs. The main problems stem from support on the backend, especially against speedier receivers.
Carolina Panthers draft Elijah Arroyo
- Tight End | Miami Hurricanes
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 113
The Panthers are looking for tight-end help. Ian Thomas’ time with the franchise will end this offseason. Dan Morgan is going to let Tommy Tremble test the market, although Carolina is eager to bring him back if the money works for all parties.
Whether Tremble returns or not is irrelevant. The Panthers need another well-rounded player to go alongside Ja’Tavion Sanders long-term. This is an outstanding draft class for Morgan to take advantage of.
Elijah Arroyo comes with more promise than most at this juncture. The prospect took a notable leap with the Miami Hurricanes in 2024, accumulating 590 receiving yards and seven touchdowns from 35 receptions. His body control and athleticism are outstanding. He’s also a willing helper on running plays with enough explosiveness to disengage blockers and get himself to the second level quickly.
Carolina Panthers draft Jack Nelson
- Offensive Tackle | Wisconsin Badgers
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 141
Carolina’s offensive line made incredible strides last season. Dan Morgan is looking to extend Austin Corbett and Cade Mays to solidify the center position, which is a positive for continuity purposes. Even so, settling is not an option.
Improving depth is crucial. Brady Christensen is probably going to take his chances elsewhere in free agency. If this scenario becomes reality, someone like Jack Nelson has the versatility and similar traits to fill the void.
Nelson gained significant starting experience at Wisconsin, playing more than 3,000 college snaps. He’s got experience at both guard and tackle. His tape is littered with dominant qualities on running plays and using his leverage effectively in pass protection. That’s what the Panthers require if, or when, Christensen gets a better offer from another team.
Carolina Panthers draft Miles Frazier
- Offensive Line | LSU Tigers
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 147
As previously mentioned, the Carolina Panthers cannot settle in the pursuit of maintaining momentum along their offensive line. That wouldn’t impact the starting five, which looks pretty set if Austin Corbett and Cade Mays return. This revolves around fortifying depth in the event injury strikes.
Another with experience across the line who could be an asset is Miles Frazier. He’s got extensive starting experience at LSU and is a powerful presence on running plays. He’s athletic enough to help on pulls and finishes plays with a ruthless streak that’s hard not to love.
Some technical flaws must be refined before confidence in Frazier’s chances increases in the pros. Fortunately for the Panthers, they have one of the best offensive line coaches — Joe Gilbert — to steer him on the right path.
Carolina Panthers draft Dylan Sampson
- Running Back | Tennessee Volunteers
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 164
The Panthers need something else in their running back room before competitive action begins again in 2025. Chuba Hubbard is the workhorse after getting a deserved four-year extension and Miles Sanders could be given a reprieve on a reduced salary. Even so, Jonathon Brooks’ absence with a second torn ACL means another capable backfield threat is required.
Dylan Sampson is going relatively under the radar compared to most in a deep running back class. He took college football by storm in 2024 for the Tennessee Volunteers, earning SEC Offensive Player of the Year through a unique blend of explosiveness, contact balance, and supreme vision to exploit gaps when they arrive.
Tennessee’s offensive scheme and Sampson’s lack of size at 5-foot-8 seem to be going against him. That means the Panthers, or someone else, could get an absolute steal given his proven production in the biggest moments.
Carolina Panthers draft Zah Frazier
- Cornerback | UTSA Roadrunners
- Round No. 6 | Pick No. 201
The Panthers could address their cornerback room much sooner than this. There’s also a good chance Dan Morgan extends Mike Jackson Sr. and finds another capable performer in free agency to put alongside Pro Bowl performer Jaycee Horn.
Chau Smith-Wade showed enough promise as a rookie to suggest he can be an asset in the nickel. That gives Carolina the freedom to pick a development piece with immense promise a little further down the draft order.
Zah Frazier is an intriguing prospect. He’s got one season of FBS experience after becoming a junior college All-American. The UTSA defensive back thrives in press coverage and brings physicality to the run defense. He actively seeks contact and his six interceptions last season suggest he’s got more than enough from an anticipation standpoint to become a rotational piece and special teams presence.
This would be a gamble, but the rewards would be substantial if Frazier puts everything together and continues his positive momentum.
Carolina Panthers draft Nazir Stackhouse
- Defensive Line | Georgia Bulldogs
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 223
If the Panthers are serious about improving their defense, they must find a genuine nose tackle at some stage during the offseason. And if Dan Morgan had any sense, he wouldn’t limit himself to one option.
Ejiro Evero stubbornly used Shy Tuttle as the nose tackle over his first two seasons as defensive coordinator. He wasn’t found wanting for effort, but the defensive lineman just wasn’t suited to the spot and should be cut this offseason.
Adding a free agent like D.J. Jones or Bobby Brown provides immediate assistance. Someone with Nazir Stackhouse’s athletic ability is well worth considering late in the draft to bolster depth with the potential to start over time.
Stackhouse is a formidable presence to move off the block. He’s explosive to the contact point and became adept at clearing space for others to do damage during his time at Georgia.
A lot of that good work went unnoticed with the stars around him. Morgan should not ignore the potential benefits of drafting Stackhouse if he makes it this far.