The 2025 NFL Draft is almost here, which means mock draft season is in full swing for Panthers fans. Following their strong finish to the 2024 season, Carolina spent big in free agency and bolstered the defense. While this team has the talent to surprise in 2025, their odds of earning a playoff spot in the NFC South would increase substantially if they can land a few instant-impact rookies from the upcoming class.
Note that this Carolina Panthers mock draft was performed with the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator. If the player was on the board when the Panthers were on the clock, they were fair game. Also note that this mock draft does not include trades.
Carolina Panthers Seven-Round Mock Draft: Year 2 of Dave Canales
First Round (8th Overall): Tet McMillan, WR – Arizona
Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker had their moments as rookies, but neither player will stop the Panthers from selecting a game-changing receiver with the first pick in this mock draft. Tet McMillan isn’t the fastest player in football, but he makes up for it with his elite size, strength, and impressive route running. Analysts linked Carolina to Tee Higgins throughout the offseason. Since he ultimately re-signed with the Bengals, Carolina might as well draft someone with a similar play style and even more upside.
Second Round (57th Overall): Demetrius Knight Jr., LB – South Carolina
The Carolina Panthers had the worst run defense in the league by a wide margin last year. While Derrick Brown’s return and free agent addition Tershawn Wharton will help, somebody must lead the linebacker room. South Carolina’s Demetrius Knight won’t be the next Luke Keuchly, but he’d easily be the best linebacker on the roster. The South Carolina product has prototypical build and the intelligence to immediately start for this unit. While his lack of elite speed limits his ceiling, he should provide much-needed stability to this unit.
Demetrius Knight Scouting Report
Third Round (74th Overall): Kyle Kennard, EDGE – South Carolina
The Panthers go back to South Carolina for the second time in as many picks in this mock draft. Kyle Kennard is not a perfect prospect by any stretch of the imagination, but his high ceiling makes him an easy choice in the third round. He’s great as a speed rusher and can blow past tackles on his way to the quarterback. He’ll start off as a situational player but could develop into an above-average starter if he adds some muscle and improves his play against the run.
Fourth Round (111th Overall): Jacob Parrish, CB – Kansas State
The Panthers continue to address the defensive side of the ball with the selection of Jacob Parrish. Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson will start for this team, but you need three cornerbacks to thrive in today’s pass-happy NFL. Parrish has the versatility to play outside and in the slot and has a natural nose for the ball that could result in turnovers. He shouldn’t shadow Mike Evans by any stretch of the imagination, but he projects as a great depth piece who can start in a pinch.
Fourth Round (114th Overall): Gunnar Helm, TE – Texas
With the defense thoroughly addressed, the Panthers add another weapon for Bryce Young. Gunnar Helm had a strong 2024 where he proved that he could be an effective receiving tight end who can make plays after the catch. Pairing him with Ja’Tavion Sanders should give Carolina two play action threats that, when paired with a young wide receiver room, will provide Young the long-term stability needed to reach his potential.
Fifth Round (140th Overall): Rylie Mills, DT – Notre Dame
As you’d expect from a fifth-round pick, Rylie Mills does not project as a starter in the NFL. However, the Notre Dame product is a great value for the Panthers in the fifth round of this mock draft. Capable of collapsing the pocket, Mills can get after the quarterback and has the size to eat up space on run plays. While his fundamentals need some work, he can contribute to an NFL team.
Fifth Round (146th Overall): Jarquez Hunter, RB – Auburn
The 2025 NFL Draft class is loaded at the running back position, so it makes sense for the Panther to invest a late-round pick in this mock draft. Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle are a fine duo, but they are old by running back standards and Jonathon Brooks’ extensive injury makes him a long-term risk. Hunter probably won’t become a full-time starter, but he could be a nice role player over the next few seasons.
Jarquez Hunter Scouting Report
Fifth Round (163rd Overall): Upton Stout, DB – Western Kentucky
All the “sure things” are gone by this point in the Panthers mock draft, so the team takes a risk on a toolsy jack of all trades, master of none. Upton Stout is smaller than you’d like, but he has the raw muscle and athleticism to play safety or slot cornerback at the next level. If nothing else, Carolina can throw him on special teams and he should be able to make a living in the third phase of the game.
Seventh Round (230th Overall): Graham Mertz, QB – Florida
The Panthers wrap up their mock draft with a quarterback. Graham Mertz won’t challenge Bryce Young or Andy Dalton for their respective jobs, but every seventh-round pick is far more likely to fail than succeed. Hopefully, he can show some promise and justify a spot on the practice squad while developing into a long-term backup. If nothing else, he can help keep Young and Dalton fresh throughout the offseason.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images
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