We are now less than three weeks away from the start of the 2025 NFL draft. (Yep, we're almost there, folks!)
So, who do the experts think the Carolina Panthers will be taking with the eighth overall pick on the first night?
Here are the latest projections for the team's first-round selection . . .
USA Today
Pick: Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia
Author: Nate Davis
Take: This team really needs another difference maker on defense, and Walker could effectively plug a gap at edge rusher or as an off-ball linebacker – and maybe both if he were to be deployed by coordinator Ejiro Evero in the optimal situationally dependent scenarios. But considering Jadeveon Clowney, 32, is the only player on this roster who generated more than a dozen pressures in 2024 – and just 22 – Walker’s ability to get to quarterbacks might be his most-needed attribute here. Size (6-1, 243) is not among his selling points.
NFL.com
Pick: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Author: Chad Reuter
Take: Bryce Young made strides as the Panthers' starting quarterback last season, and Warren is the best addition the team can make at this slot to help keep the QB on track. The 6-foot-5 1/2, 256-pound tight end can best linebackers and safeties on short and intermediate routes with his size but is also agile enough to test them downfield.
ESPN
Pick: Jalon Walker, EDGE/LB, Georgia
Author: Field Yates
Take: 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 Athletic
Pick: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Author: Bruce Feldman
Take: The second Georgia player to go in the top 10, Williams was injured in the 2024 opener against Clemson and didn’t get to play much in the first half of last season. But he was back for a big game at Texas in October and gave UT fits, notching two sacks. He had two more sacks against the Longhorns in the SEC title game. The 6-5, ...
