The Draft Network's Justin Mello's Panthers 7-round mock draft special

[TheSpecialJuan]

 

Round 1 (No. 8 overall): Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

The Panthers have Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker as young talents at receiver, but neither appears to have true WR1 upside. Adam Thielen should finally be on his last legs in 2025. Drafting Tetairoa McMillan would give Young a legit dominant boundary talent. McMillan pairs elite size and ball skills with short-area quickness.

Round 2 (No. 57 overall): Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina

Carolina's defense recorded a third-worst 32 sacks throughout 2024. Signing Jadaveon Clowney didn't work out. The Panthers desperately need pass-rushing talent on the edges. Kyle Kennard is explosive and pairs first-step quickness with a red-hot motor.

Round 3 (No. 74 overall): Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas

Ejiro Evero’s defense allowed nearly 225 passing yards per game. The cornerback room currently possesses more quantity than quality. Morgan needs to add some instant contributors. Kansas' Mello Dotson projects as such. Dotson was outstanding at the East-West Shrine Bowl, showcasing a competitive streak at the catch point.

Round 4 (No. 110 overall): Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland

An interior defensive lineman capable of playing next to Derrick Brown is required. The Panthers grossly missed Brown throughout 2024. Jordan Phillips would be a nice fit inside. Phillips is fresh off a dominant week in Frisco.

Round 4 (No. 113 overall): Caleb Ransaw, SAF, Tulane

Safety Xavier Woods played 100% of Carolina's defensive snaps this past campaign. He's scheduled to reach free agency, and a replacement may be needed. Tulane's Caleb Ransaw had an outstanding week at the Senior Bowl. Ransaw is versatile enough to play in coverage near the line of scrimmage, or in two-high shells.

Round 5 (No. 141 overall): Brashard Smith, RB, SMU

Jonathon Brooks suffered another ACL injury shortly after recovering from his first one. The Panthers unfortunately can't rely on him in 2025. Instead, they should take advantage of a deep running back class to add another talented player at the position. Brashard Smith was productive in Mobile. A former wideout, Smith is a dual-threat talent with incredibly high upside.

Round 5 (No. 147 overall): Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon

The Panthers should also take advantage of a deep tight end class to add more talent to the position. Ja’Tavion Sanders is a quality piece, but Tommy Tremble is slated for free agency. Terrance Ferguson possesses some pass-catching upside, and he's also alignment-versatile enough to play in-line.

Round 5 (No. 164 overall): Carson Vinson, OT, Alabama A&M

The offensive line has finally improved, but several starters or role players are on expiring contracts, including Cade Mays, Brady Christensen, and Austin Corbett. Some of these will probably be retained, but Morgan will draft at least one offensive lineman. Carson Vinson has some tackle-guard flexibility. Vinson is a developmental talent with future starter potential.

Round 7 (No. 229 overall): Warren Brinson, NT, Georgia

Evero employs the occasional nose tackle in 3-4 fronts. Shy Tuttle primarily played that role this past season. Adding depth and competition through Warren Brinson would be wise. Brinson possesses length, power, and functional athleticism.

[TheSpecialJuan]

https://www.thedraftnetwork.com/2025/02/06/panthers-mock-draft-february-2025

[jfra78]

We don't need a possession reciever in the first round.  I just triggered you know who

[LinvilleGorge]

I don't hate it.

[kungfoodude]

15 minutes ago, jfra78 said:

We don't need a possession reciever in the first round.  I just triggered you know who

I am not sure I would call McMillian a "possession" WR. He is more of a Mike Evans type. 

We need people who can catch and get open. That is where we classically fail so miserably, last year's draft included.

[djp14]

[BritishPanther]

Phillips isn't the one for me, but I'm no expert. I would happily trade down and take someone like Nolen/Grant at the end of round 1 if Graham isn't there at 4. Use the extra pick on a WR.

Nazir Stackhouse in the 7th would be my preferred choice over Brinson.

[Jon Snow]

Terrible draft.

[OneBadCat]

As much as I’d love TMac I’m not sure how much he improves us for next season. He’ll still probably hit the rookie wall and be limited in effectiveness. 
 

Coker and XL might make a leap next year. I’d rather us get a FA WR that is developed and can step in right away to help us. 
 

This defense desperately needs another blue chip lineman. LB is also extremely bare. Safety looks weak too. Chubba needs a back up with some wheels as well. 
 

I have a lot of faith in last years class. XL still had a decent rookie year despite his ill timed errors. Coker is a stud. Sanders and Tremble make pretty decent duo. 

[cookinbrak]

Get Skattebo in there and that would be decent.

[Panthero]

If we are going to draft McMillian, I'd almost rather get the guy from Iowa state, looks like a natural X. Feel like that first round needs to he dt or edge. 

[bythenbrs]

Meh.  If the scouting department and Morgan are pounding the table, that T-Mac is truly BPA at 8 then go with it, I guess.  I’d rather see us go front seven with the first three picks, and that would be drafting into the strength of this draft.  Crazy concept, right?

Edited 7 hours ago by bythenbrs

[kungfoodude]

6 hours ago, cookinbrak said:

Get Skattebo in there and that would be decent.

Smith is a great pick as a 5th. He would offer something we haven't had since CMC in a RB that can run routes and be a reliable reciever on a consistent basis.

[kungfoodude]

2 hours ago, bythenbrs said:

Meh.  If the scouting department and Morgan are pounding the table, that T-Mac is truly BPA at 8 then go with it, I guess.  I’d rather see us go front seven with the first three picks, and that would be drafting into the strength of this draft.  Crazy concept, right?

Don't reach by being myopic. Remember the aftermath of the Josh Norman fiasco where Gettleman spammed CB picks that almost none of them worked out?