Carolina Panthers 7-round mock draft: Updated projections for Dave Canales and Co
The Carolina Panthers have been rebuilding their roster in recent years as they attempt to get back to being contenders. The 2025 NFL Draft will give head coach Dave Canales and the front office a good opportunity to continue this process. They currently have nine total picks this year and here's how they could potentially approach them in the following mock draft.
Carolina Panthers 2025 NFL mock draft for all 7 rounds
#1 - Round 1, Pick 8: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee Volunteers
The Carolina Panthers are in desperate need of upgrading their edge rushers, despite recently adding Jadeveon Clowney to their roster. Improving their pass rush can potentially turn things around for their struggling defense, so using their first-round pick on an elite prospect like James Pearce Jr. is a good strategy.
#2 - Round 2, Pick 57: Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State Wildcats
With the exception of Jaycee Horn, who appears to be locked in as a superstar in the position, the Panthers are extremely thin at cornerback. Jacob Parrish has a ton of athletic upside as one of the fastest defensive backs in this year's draft class, so he could be an option for them in the second round.
#3 - Round 3, Pick 74: Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State Cyclones
It's possible that the Panthers will use one of their first two picks on a wide receiver, but if they don't, they should still target one as early as possible. They are weak at the position, especially with Adam Thielen aging. Jayden Higgins is a big-bodied prospect who could give Bryce Young another weapon to work with.
#4 - Round 4, Pick 111: Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Sportskeeda's Mock Draft Simulator predicts that the Panthers will select Xavier Watts in the fourth round. He is one of the best safeties in this year's draft class and could potentially be a steal in the mid-rounds.
#5 - Round 4, Pick 114: Josaiah Stewart, EDGE, Michigan Wolverines
With how weak Carolina is on the edge of their defense, it would make sense for them to double on the position during the draft. Josaiah Stewart can significantly improve their depth as a rotational pass rusher from day one and could potentially develop into an eventual starter.
#6 - Round 5, Pick 140: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State Aggies
Jalen Royals is a well-rounded wide receiver prospect with a versatile skillset. He could be another useful option and add to their young offensive core that currently includes Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker.
#7 - Round 5, Pick 146: Miles Frazier, OG, LSU Tigers
The Panthers have the luxury of returning their entire starting offensive line from last year into the upcoming 2025 NFL season. They have a relatively solid group, but improving depth is always a solid strategy for blockers. Miles Frazier is one of the best mid-round interior offensive linemen in this year's draft class.
#8 - Round 5, Pick 163: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College Eagles
After landing an interior offensive lineman a few picks earlier, this mock draft has Carolina following that up with an offensive tackle. Ozzy Trapilo can help to round out their roster along the blocking positions.
#9 - Round 7, Pick 230: Jalen McLeod, LB, Auburn Tigers
The Panthers are currently without a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After picking three times in round five, they concluded this mock draft with Jalen Mcleod in the final round. The latest stages of any draft are often reserved for finding he most overall upside and his positional versatility could make him a useful defender.