We now have only a few sleeps remaining until the start of the 2025 NFL draft.
So, that begs the question—what will the braintrust for the Carolina Panthers be dreaming about over that time?
Well, maybe it’s the results of our new mock!
Beginning with a sought-after trade, let’s dive in to these seven-round projections and fulfill all of the Panthers’ desires for the upcoming weekend.
First round (No. 10 overall, via CHI): Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
—Trade—
Carolina receives: Pick No. 10, Pick No. 72
Chicago receives: Pick No. 8, Pick No. 111
Some believe that passer-needy teams will have to jump the New Orleans Saints (No. 9) to skip the line for a quarterback. But the Saints might actually be players for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty—so the Panthers, by leaving the Heisman Trophy finalist to the Bears, keep a potentially prolific rusher away from their division and turn their second fourth-round pick into a pretty high third.
With defensive tackle Mason Graham and linebacker Jalon Walker now likely off the board at No. 10, the Panthers could be eager to snag Williams—whose 6-foot-5, 260-pound frame and pro-ready prowess against the run already fit the bill for them. The major knock on the two-time second-team All-SEC selection is his lack of production, as he amassed no more than five sacks in each of his three collegiate campaigns.
But as evidenced by last year’s first-round pick, wideout Xavier Legette, head coach Dave Canales is all about developing potential. And if the 20-year-old Williams can grow into an impactful pass rusher by tapping into his eye-popping power and high-end athleticism, then he could end up being the dream prospect in Carolina.
Second round (No. 57 overall, via LAR): Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
Williams can help strengthen a defense that not only allowed a league-high 179.8 rushing yards per game, but also recorded a league-low 16.2-percent pressure rate. The second pick, to follow those hopes up, can help patch up the backend.
Watts may have the best ball skills of any safety in this class, an attribute that Carolina’s secondary has missed for quite a few years. He led the FBS with seven interceptions in 2023 and then notched six more as a worthy encore in 2024.
The two-time All-American and Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner could slot right into the starting lineup at free safety, teaming up with free-agent signee Tre’von Moehrig to put a lid on the defense.
Third round (No. 72 overall, via CHI): Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
The Panthers have also failed to pile up big plays on offense. Even with a hopeful second half under quarterback Bryce Young, the unit averaged the third-lowest yards per passing attempt (6.3) and were tied for the seventh-fewest completions of at least 20 yards (43).
Noel, a twitchy pass-catching threat, could add that much-needed dimension. The 5-foot-10, 194-pounder can use his speed and suddenness to create space both as a route runner and a ball carrier, and is capable of taking the top off of opposing defenses.
In addition, his experience as a returner is a nice bonus for Carolina—who still doesn’t have that role nailed down. Noel fielded totals of 53 punts and 37 kickoffs over his four years for the Cyclones.
Third round (No. 74 overall): Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
If you haven’t been following Carolina’s trail during the pre-draft process, then you might be surprised to learn that they’re in the market for an offensive tackle.
Longtime starting right tackle Taylor Moton is entering the final year of his contract. If the Panthers don’t end up working something out with the 30-year-old pillar, then they’ll need a succession plan for 2026.
The massive 6-foot-8, 316-pound Trapilo can make a strength stronger as a depth piece now and possibly become the heir apparent to Moton, if needed.
Third round (No. 98 overall, via PIT): Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina
—Trade—
Carolina receives: Pick No. 98
Pittsburgh receives: Pick No. 114, Pick No. 140
If general manager Dan Morgan wants production, then we’ll give him some production. To do so, we’ll have to jump into the back of the third round in a trade with the Steelers—who enter the draft with only six selections.
Carolina double-dips off the edge and grabs Kennard, who posted an SEC-leading 11.0 sacks in 2024. He’s also the second Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner of this mock.
Fifth round (No. 146 overall): Kobe King, LB, Penn State
Morgan now looks to his old position and takes an inside ‘backer in King, who provides depth behind Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace as well as some solid value on special teams.
Fifth round (No. 163 overall, via BAL): Alijah Huzzie, CB, North Carolina
Competition will be key for this young Panthers roster, which needs more bodies at cornerback. Huzzie, another defensive back with good ball skills, can give Chau Smith-Wade (last year’s fifth-rounder) a battle at the slot.
Seventh round (No. 230 overall, via ARZ): Ryan Fitzgerald, K, Florida State
Again, Morgan and Canales are looking to elevate their team’s floor by adding competition. That approach should even go for the kicker position—where Matthew Wright, who signed on with a futures deal earlier this offseason, is the only leg in the room.
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