What if there was a way the Carolina Panthers could get both a dynamic defender and a new offensive weapon from the 2025 NFL draft?
Well, ESPN's Field Yates did exactly that in his new two-round mock from Wednesday.
He starts off Carolina's haul at the eighth overall pick with University of Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker, the overwhelming frontrunner for the selection.
Yates writes:
The Panthers have made a series of edge rusher investments over the past two years, but none have massively moved the needle. The Panthers -- who allowed the most yards per play (6.0) and tied for the third-fewest sacks (32) last season -- could truly address their need in the top 10, though.
Walker had 6.5 sacks in 2024 even though he spent a lot of his time patrolling the middle of the field at off-ball linebacker. Carolina could deploy Walker in a hybrid role since it needs a boost at both linebacker and edge rusher.
The assorted looks of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's 3-4 scheme would allow Walker, who is a bit undersized for a traditional pass rusher at 6-foot-1 and 243 pounds, to play out that hybrid role as an outside linebacker. (Think Frankie Luvu from 2023.)
Yates then attacks another concern for the Panthers by adding Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel with the 57th overall selection:
At 5-foot-10 and 194 pounds, Noel might be a better fit in the slot than outside. But he has serious explosion, averaging 14.9 yards per catch last season en route to 1,194 yards and eight scores. Noel could join Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker to form an intriguing young WR corps.
Noel, who clocked a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at this year's scouting combine, would supply the offense with a much-needed vertical threat. The Panthers averaged just 6.2 yards per passing attempt in 2024, the third-lowest in the NFL.
The reigning Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year could also serve as a punt returner, another position that should be addressed by Carolina. Noel averaged 15.3 yards per punt return on 13 tries this past season.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire:
Topics in this Story
