The Carolina Panthers have entered the final stages of their evaluation process for the 2025 NFL draft. With less than three weeks until the selection process begins, the organization will be getting through the rest of their private workouts, their top-30 visits and the formation of their big board.
That, according to both general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales, will be shaped by the "best player available" approach. But what does that mean for them at the eighth overall pick, especially when this year's first round may be as unpredictable as ever?
“Best player available” is more subjective, and should be weighted towards a team's specific needs. Being that the Panthers don't need a quarterback, for instance, a Cam Ward or a Shedeur Sanders wouldn't really be their "best player available," even if they technically were.
Carolina does, however, have plenty of needs in other areas—and on both sides of the ball.
On defense, they must add another pass-rushing threat, a free safety and depth at both linebacker and cornerback. Over on offense, dynamic threats at wide receiver and tight end are must-haves.
There is much debate as to who should be the eighth pick, and it’s due to the lack of superstar talent across the board. Sure, you have guys like outside linebacker Abdul Carter, wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter and defensive lineman Mason Graham as the true “blue-chip” prospects.
After them, boards across the league may vary quite vastly. But don't fret, Panthers fans, there will be a quality prospect available at No. 8—even if they're not a clear slam-dunk choice at this moment in time.
Many of the frontrunners for Carolina's first-round pick can be found on the defensive side, and from a certain college program. Morgan and company shouldn't have an issue selecting any of the top Georgia Bulldogs—edge rusher Mykel Williams, hybrid linebacker Jalon Walker or safety Malaki Starks.
Williams would give the team a high-upside defender who already boasts great run-defending skills. Walker looks well-suited as a pure pass rusher in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s defense. And Starks projects as a future Pro Bowl defensive back with quality ball production.
This class presents other defenders, even away from Athens, Ga., that should be in consideration.
There's Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, who could give Carolina a formidable starting partner for Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn, and Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, a well-rounded force and much-needed playmaker at the second level. Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart, at his athletic 6-foot-5, 267-pound profile, might also interest this front office.
Offensively, Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and Penn State tight end Tyler ...
