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The Carolina Panthers came out from the opening night of the 2025 NFL draft with a new No. 1 receiver.
To the surprise of quite a few folks, the Panthers selected University of Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick of the first round. Rather than opting for a defender, general manager Dan Morgan and company went for a weapon on offense for third-year quarterback Bryce Young.
And while the choice may turn out to be a pretty good one, there's still more work to be done this weekend.
So, let's look at the best available players for the Panthers for Day 2 of the draft—with 10 possible targets for the No. 57 and No. 74 picks
Watts would give the Panthers a true free safety on the backend with proven ball production and playmaking ability. He also offers enough versatility to allow defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero to rotate his safeties as much as he pleases.
Ezeiruaku is likely a dream selection for Carolina. He's a high-ceiling pass rusher who posted an ACC-leading 16.5 sacks in 2024.
Adding a second-level playmaker would be a wise move. Schwesinger is a big MIKE linebacker with the acumen, run defense and coverage skills to produce at the next level.
The Panthers could be trying to lock down a successor to Taylor Moton, who's entering the final year of his contract. Ersery, 6-foot-6 and 331 pounds, fits the size thresholds the team might be searching for.
His off-field concerns may have bumped him out of the first round, but Green is a terrific pass rusher who could be one of the biggest steals of the draft if available.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Best remaining players for the Panthers on Day 2
Continue reading...
To the surprise of quite a few folks, the Panthers selected University of Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick of the first round. Rather than opting for a defender, general manager Dan Morgan and company went for a weapon on offense for third-year quarterback Bryce Young.
And while the choice may turn out to be a pretty good one, there's still more work to be done this weekend.
So, let's look at the best available players for the Panthers for Day 2 of the draft—with 10 possible targets for the No. 57 and No. 74 picks
Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
Watts would give the Panthers a true free safety on the backend with proven ball production and playmaking ability. He also offers enough versatility to allow defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero to rotate his safeties as much as he pleases.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Ezeiruaku is likely a dream selection for Carolina. He's a high-ceiling pass rusher who posted an ACC-leading 16.5 sacks in 2024.
Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Adding a second-level playmaker would be a wise move. Schwesinger is a big MIKE linebacker with the acumen, run defense and coverage skills to produce at the next level.
Aireontae Ersery, OL, Minnesota
The Panthers could be trying to lock down a successor to Taylor Moton, who's entering the final year of his contract. Ersery, 6-foot-6 and 331 pounds, fits the size thresholds the team might be searching for.
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
His off-field concerns may have bumped him out of the first round, but Green is a terrific pass rusher who could be one of the biggest steals of the draft if available.
Other best remaining prospects
- Ozzy Trapilo, OL, Boston College
- Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue
- Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU
- Darius Alexander, DL, Toledo
- Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Best remaining players for the Panthers on Day 2
Continue reading...
