The Carolina Panthers are picking in the top 10 again in the 2025 NFL Draft, and fans are desperate for the team to finally take the jump.
That will mean improving the defense and surrounding quarterback Bryce Youg with weapons heading into the new NFL league year. Here is a 7-Round NFL Mock Draft looking at who might be available for Carolina when they are on the clock.
7-Round Carolina Panthers Mock Draft
The Panthers’ 2025 NFL Draft strategy should be straightforward.
Firstly, the Panthers need to improve their defense significantly. The unit was among the worst in the NFL and has multiple gaps that must be addressed.
This won’t happen overnight; it will take time and the right moves in free agency. However, the Panthers can draft a young core of prospects who are capable of making plays on the ball.
Secondly, Carolina needs to surround Bryce Young with more weapons. They require upgrades at wide receiver and a tight end if they want to determine whether the former No. 1 overall pick is truly their future.
Round 1, Pick 8: Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Shemar Stewart was already expected to be one of the top selections in the 2025 NFL Draft, but after dominating the NFL Combine, the Texas A&M defensive lineman seems unlikely to escape the first 10 picks.
Given his size, Stewart’s agility and quickness are impressive. The Texas A&M defensive lineman weighed 281 pounds at the 2025 Senior Bowl but reduced his weight to 267 pounds for the Combine, where he showcased his remarkable athleticism. He recorded a 10’11” broad jump (99th percentile), a 40″ vertical leap (97th percentile), and an electric 4.59-second 40-yard dash.
MORE: 2025 NFL Combine Results By School
While Stewart possesses all the necessary traits, his production raises some questions, as he only recorded 4.5 career sacks during his time at Texas A&M. However, it’s important to note that other defensive line prospects, like Nic Scourton and Shemar Turner, have faced similar challenges due to the team’s defensive scheme and having to play heavier.
Stewart has rarely had the opportunity to fully focus on rushing the passer. Overall, he has the tools and the potential to become a powerful, athletic, and agile edge rusher at the next level.
Round 2, Pick 57: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
The Panthers need to give Young more weapons, including an imperious tight end. Mason Taylor was another player who made the 2025 NFL Combine highlight reel after performing one of the most smooth and fluid gauntlet drills at the event.
Someone please set Mason Taylor’s gauntlet drill to “Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash. About as close to perfection as you’ll find at the NFL Combine.
— Oliver Hodgkinson (@ojhodgkinson) March 1, 2025
The LSU Tigers tight end had 55 receptions for 546 yards and two touchdowns in 2024 and was underutilized in the Tigers’ offense. Taylor uses his big frame to catch balls away from his body and rarely drops the ball. The 6’5”, 250-pound weapon is a smooth route runner who creates separation with his movement.
Furthermore, Taylor also has an extensive blocking profile and can be a factor in both the run and passing game in Carolina.
Round 3, Pick 74: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
Darien Porter is just scratching the surface of his potential. The former wide receiver coveted to corner three seasons ago but only became a starter in Ames in 2024.
On tape, Porter showcases exceptional ball skills, which resulted in three interceptions in 2024, and has the route shadowing, explosive turn of pace, and physicality to compete downfield and on crossers.
Round 4, Pick 110: Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Jaylin Noel will thrive from the slot in Carolina. The Iowa State receiver creates separation with speed and elusive movement to be a downfield threat, and he recorded 80 receptions for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024.
That explosive athleticism was proven at the 2025 NFL Combine, where Noel tested in the top 10 in every drill. His 41.4 vertical jump and 11’2” broad jump were both the top marks for his position group, while his 4.17 short shuttle and 6.82 3-cone both ranked fifth among wide receivers.
Round 4, Pick 113: Jared Wilson, OL, Georgia
Jared Wilson has a chance to be a Day 2 pick and challenge to be the top center drafted in April. However, he has fallen down the board in this simulation and provides value in the fourth round.
The Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman is ultra-athletic and put up a 9.98 RAS score. That athleticism translates into a proven explosive burst out of his stance, punchy hand placement, and strong balance.
Round 5, Pick 141: Jamaree Caldwell, DT, Oregon
At 6’2”, 332 pounds, Jamaree Caldwell is an effortless, fluid mover. The Oregon Ducks’ defensive tackle has excellent pop out of his stance and has the requisite strength to plug running lanes.
While his 32” arms are short, the high-motor interior defensive lineman plays with a balanced low center of gravity. At the same time, his power profile and explosive initial movement overwhelm interior offensive linemen.
Round 5, Pick 147: Maxen Hook, S, Toledo
Maxen Hook is a fluid athlete with natural football intelligence. The instinctual safety offers tremendous awareness in zone coverage and adequately reads the quarterback’s eyes to attack the football.
However, the Toledo Rockets’ defensive back still needs to develop his block-shedding and doesn’t have the long speed to stick with shifty receivers in man coverage.
Round 5, Pick 164: Brashard Smith, RB/WR, SMU
Brashard Smith is a sleeper prospect who offers versatility as a running back or wide receiver. While the dynamic weapon was a wide receiver with the Miami Hurricanes, he had remarkable production as a running back with the SMU Mustangs in 2024.
With 1,270 rushing yards and 18 scrimmage touchdowns, Smith is a versatile weapon who offers elusive movement and a natural ability to find space. The Mustangs running back displayed great vision to explode through running lanes and the twitch to make defenders miss once in the second level.
Round 7, Pick 229: Nazir Stackhouse, DT, Georgia
Nazir Stackhouse is a predominantly run-stuffing defensive tackle who excels on early downs. The Georgia nose tackle has more explosiveness than he is credited with, but it is his physical and powerful playstyle that allows him to make plays against the run.
KEEP READING: Scouting Reports on the Top 100 Prospects
This means that Stackhouse’s role in the NFL will likely be limited to a rotational position. However, for the Panthers, who urgently need to improve their run defense, adding the 6’3″, 320-pound run-stuffer could be a valuable addition to their roster.
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