Panthers 2025 mock draft 6.0: Projecting 7 rounds after the 1st wave of free agency

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.

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.