Attention is slowly turning to next year’s draft.
For some teams, the 2024 NFL season is all-but over, with hopes of reaching the playoffs already dashed.
The Carolina Panthers are one such team, sitting at 3-11 at the bottom of the NFC South.
So, let us look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft and see who the Panthers may select with their first-round pick:
Travis Hunter – WR/CB Colorado
The recently crowned Heisman Trophy winner is the hottest player in this coming draft. A stud on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and cornerback, he will be a valuable addition to any team.
He boasts 1,152 yards on 92 catches this season for Colorado, including 14 touchdowns. Ranking first among Colorado receivers, he would also rank first on the Panthers team – all led by 2024 first-round draft pick Xavier Legette.
Hunter also has 12.5 yards per receptions as well as a rushing touchdown.
Carolina only has three receivers currently contacted for 2025; Legette, 34-year-old Adam Thielen and undrafted rookie Jalen Coker.
On defense, he has defended 11 passes with four interceptions, both stats leading Colorado.
Carolina meanwhile has not had a player make four interceptions in a single season since 2018.
The biggest issue is determining if it is sustainable for Hunter to play both sides of the ball in the NFL. Does he need to pick a position?
Abdul Carter – DE Penn State
Rushing the quarterback has been an issue in Carolina.
Since Brian Burns’ 12.5 sacks in 2022, the Panthers have not had an edge rusher get close to double digit sacks.
Abdul Carter has progressively improved during his time in college. This season he has 10 sacks, taking his total to 21 in three years.
Filling the void left by Burns last year should be a top priority for the Panthers this offseason.
Other options at the position include James Pearce Jr from Tennessee or Mykel Williams out of Georgia
Tetairoa McMillan – WR Arizona
A 6’5” Hawaiian from Arizona, Tetairoa McMillan has had big numbers in the Big 12 throughout his time in college. S
tarting with 702 yards with and average of 18.0 per catch and eight touchdowns in 2022, his best year came in 2023 with 90 catches for 1,402 yards and 10 touchdowns.
His 2024 season was impressive too with only with six fewer catches, 83 fewer yards and two fewer touchdowns. There was, however, an improvement in average yards.
No Panther has had eight or more receiving touchdowns since 2017. The other obviously wide receiver option is Missouri’s Luther Burden.
Mason Graham – DL Michigan
With Derrick Brown signing a four-year, $96m contract this past offseason, many may believe defensive tackle may not be a big need.
With Brown going down for the season in Week 1, the Panthers’ defensive line has ranked last in the league against the run.
Brown set a new NFL record for tackles made by a defensive tackle in 2023 with 103, breaking the previous record of 98.
Another big body alongside Brown will really help disrupt NFL offensive lines.
Mason Graham has emerged as a top draft candidate with his performances for Michigan, winning a National Championship last year.
This year, his performances have got better and he could easily be a top five draft pick.
