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The Carolina Panthers surfed through the first wave of free agency and came back to shore with a handful of much-needed additions.
And, as it always should, the initial dip into the open waters will allow the team to be more flexible in the upcoming draft. Heck, they may be flexible enough to even pull off a trade to acquire more draft capital . . .
So with that in mind, let's pump out another seven-round mock for the Panthers.
Trade
Seattle acquires: Pick No. 8
Carolina acquires: Pick No. 18, Pick No. 50, Pick No. 92
This selection may seem out of the box, but consider the increasing importance of the nickel position. With defenses transitioning into more five defensive-back looks, having a deep secondary is rather valuable—and the Panthers haven't had one of those in a while.
Barron is a savvy defender with great discipline in coverage, and can play from multiple spots against the run. He may fit best as a pure nickel in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's system.
Outside of Jihaad Campbell (and for some, Jalon Walker), Schwesinger is the best pure linebacker in the draft. He would see the field very quickly in Carolina—as he plays with control, sound tackling technique and coverage prowess that would make him an immediate contributor.
Mbow can play anywhere along the offensive line. Some may consider him more of an interior player, but he possesses the necessary traits to develop into a future starting right tackle.
He could be the eventual heir apparent to longtime cornerstone Taylor Moton, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Mukuba is a player that would see the field very early in Carolina. His athleticism, range, ball skills and coverage prowess make him a potential starting free safety in the NFL.
Carolina, after signing Tre'von Moehrig as their new strong safety, could have their other starter here.
The Panthers did just add Pat Jones II on a two-year deal, but they still need a bit more juice off the edge.
Gillotte is an explosive athlete. He offers a nice array of moves that could make him an effective designated pass rusher early in his career.
The offense currently lacks a speedy playmaker—someone who can create consistent separation underneath and stretch the field vertically.
Felton, who ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at this year's scouting combine, can give Carolina a new dimension.
While the defensive front has a few fresh faces in Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III, it could still benefit from some depth.
Phillips is a powerful run defender who can be a part of a steady rotation.
After the signing of Asheville, N.C. native Rico Dowdle, the Panthers still need to find themselves a change-of-pace option for the backfield.
Smith, a former receiver, can provide value as a pass catcher and with his creativity as a runner.
Drafting an offensive lineman should be a rule of thumb for all teams, regardless of how good or bad their front is.
Frazier would give Carolina another versatile depth piece in the interior.
Carolina is priding themselves on being a draft-and-develop team under general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales.
Conyers, a pretty solid athlete, can have some early impact as a No. 3 tight end with usage in 21 and 22 personnel packages. He also has the potential to grow into a more featured role.
It never hurts to draft a quarterback this late in the draft, especially if it's for developmental purposes.
Miller could challenge Jack Plummer for the No. 3 spot behind starter Bryce Young and backup Andy Dalton.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2025 mock draft 6.0: Projections after early free-agent adds
Continue reading...
And, as it always should, the initial dip into the open waters will allow the team to be more flexible in the upcoming draft. Heck, they may be flexible enough to even pull off a trade to acquire more draft capital . . .
So with that in mind, let's pump out another seven-round mock for the Panthers.
First round (No. 18 overall, via SEA): Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Trade
Seattle acquires: Pick No. 8
Carolina acquires: Pick No. 18, Pick No. 50, Pick No. 92
This selection may seem out of the box, but consider the increasing importance of the nickel position. With defenses transitioning into more five defensive-back looks, having a deep secondary is rather valuable—and the Panthers haven't had one of those in a while.
Barron is a savvy defender with great discipline in coverage, and can play from multiple spots against the run. He may fit best as a pure nickel in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's system.
Second round (No. 50 overall, via SEA): Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
Outside of Jihaad Campbell (and for some, Jalon Walker), Schwesinger is the best pure linebacker in the draft. He would see the field very quickly in Carolina—as he plays with control, sound tackling technique and coverage prowess that would make him an immediate contributor.
Second round (No. 57 overall, via LAR): Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue
Mbow can play anywhere along the offensive line. Some may consider him more of an interior player, but he possesses the necessary traits to develop into a future starting right tackle.
He could be the eventual heir apparent to longtime cornerstone Taylor Moton, who is entering the final year of his contract.
Third round (No. 74 overall): Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
Mukuba is a player that would see the field very early in Carolina. His athleticism, range, ball skills and coverage prowess make him a potential starting free safety in the NFL.
Carolina, after signing Tre'von Moehrig as their new strong safety, could have their other starter here.
Third round (No. 92 overall, via SEA): Ashton Gillotte, EDGE, Louisville
The Panthers did just add Pat Jones II on a two-year deal, but they still need a bit more juice off the edge.
Gillotte is an explosive athlete. He offers a nice array of moves that could make him an effective designated pass rusher early in his career.
Fourth round (No. 111 overall): Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
The offense currently lacks a speedy playmaker—someone who can create consistent separation underneath and stretch the field vertically.
Felton, who ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at this year's scouting combine, can give Carolina a new dimension.
Fourth round (No. 114 overall, via DAL): Jordan Phillips, DL, Maryland
While the defensive front has a few fresh faces in Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III, it could still benefit from some depth.
Phillips is a powerful run defender who can be a part of a steady rotation.
Fifth round (No. 140 overall, via NYG): Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
After the signing of Asheville, N.C. native Rico Dowdle, the Panthers still need to find themselves a change-of-pace option for the backfield.
Smith, a former receiver, can provide value as a pass catcher and with his creativity as a runner.
Fifth round (No. 146 overall): Miles Frazier, OL, LSU
Drafting an offensive lineman should be a rule of thumb for all teams, regardless of how good or bad their front is.
Frazier would give Carolina another versatile depth piece in the interior.
Fifth round (No. 163 overall, via BAL): Jalin Conyers, TE, Texas Tech
Carolina is priding themselves on being a draft-and-develop team under general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales.
Conyers, a pretty solid athlete, can have some early impact as a No. 3 tight end with usage in 21 and 22 personnel packages. He also has the potential to grow into a more featured role.
Seventh round (No. 230 overall, via ARZ): Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State
It never hurts to draft a quarterback this late in the draft, especially if it's for developmental purposes.
Miller could challenge Jack Plummer for the No. 3 spot behind starter Bryce Young and backup Andy Dalton.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2025 mock draft 6.0: Projections after early free-agent adds
Continue reading...
