Dan Morgan and others in positions of power have plenty to ponder after another fascinating NFL Scouting Combine. Looking at the Carolina Panthers' current resources, building through the draft is the best way to enhance the encouraging progress made over the second half of 2024.
The combine is becoming less relevant for some. Prospects at the top end don't tend to work out these days, opting to rely on their film or work in familiar surroundings during their pro days. Interview and medical tests are important, but on-field drills can do wonders for a prospect's stock.
Carolina has nine draft selections currently. Morgan set the Panthers up well for success during his first offseason. Now, it's a case of building on more stable foundations and ensuring the coaches have the best possible options available to potentially enter the NFC South championship race in 2025.
The Panthers will have a shortlist of options. Morgan didn't rule out the prospect of trading back from No. 8 overall to accumulate more assets. Nothing has been confirmed as yet, but the second-year general manager will be ready for anything.
With this in mind, here are five surging NFL Scouting Combine standouts the Panthers must consider in 2025.
NFL Scouting Combine standouts the Carolina Panthers must consider in 2025
Carolina Panthers must consider Bhayshul Tuten
- Running Back | Virginia Tech Hokies
The Carolina Panthers need to enhance their running back room this offseason. With the veteran pool entering free agency not exactly loaded with reliable performers, taking advantage of a deep draft class seems like a realistic avenue of pursuit.
Chuba Hubbard is the No. 1 option and the Panthers are reportedly in discussions with Miles Sanders' representatives regarding a surprising reprieve if his salary-cap commitment diminishes. Jonathon Brooks is expected to miss most if not all of the 2025 campaign with another torn ACL. Carolina opted not to offer Raheem Blackshear a tender despite his encouraging kick-return exploits during the previous campaign.
Regardless of whether Sanders comes back, the Panthers need an explosive, big-play threat in the backfield that compliments what Hubbard brings to the table. Bhayshul Tuten ticks those boxes after a sensational showcase of athletic attributes at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Tuten broke out at Virginia Tech in 2024 en route to 1,240 all-purpose yards and 17 combined touchdowns. His game-breaking traits were on full display in Indianapolis, running 4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash, achieving a 40.5-inch vertical leap, and securing an impressive 4.41-second time in the 20-yard shuttle.
This matches what the backfield weapons put on tape, so it's an intriguing possibility for the Panthers that warrants further consideration.
Carolina Panthers must consider Shemar Stewart
- Edge Rusher | Texas A&M Aggies
It's no secret that the Carolina Panthers desperately need defensive reinforcements this offseason. Ejiro Evero's unit put together an embarrassing campaign in 2024, which stemmed from Dan Morgan's investment transition to rectify the team's problems on offense.
The Panthers saw offensive growth, but it came at the expense of defensive consistency. Morgan recognized he didn't do enough to provide Evero with the options needed to be competitive. He intends to solve this glaring issue as a matter of urgency in the coming weeks.
Expect the Panthers to be aggressive in free agency on defense. Adding longer-term pieces with athletic upside during the draft is guaranteed. One name being linked to Carolina more than most turned heads with an exceptional display of physical dominance at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Shemar Stewart has everything one looks for in an NFL edge rusher. He's fast and explosive, boasting pro-ready size and length. The production never quite matched at Texas A&M, although one has to wonder how much their defensive scheme impacted his ability to wreak havoc in opposing backfields.
Stewart's performance at Lucas Oil Stadium makes him a lock to go in the first round. Some are projecting he could go as high as No. 8 to the Panthers, which seems risky compared to others who could be available when Carolina goes on the clock.
Carolina Panthers must consider Matthew Golden
- Wide Receiver | Texas Longhorns
If the Carolina Panthers want to ensure Bryce Young is in a position to make more strides in 2025, they must add to their wide receiver room. Dan Morgan seemed happy enough with the options available. The general manager also outlined the need to find additional playmakers after the quarterback's notable improvements once reinstalled into the starting lineup.
Going down the draft route represents the cheapest option with long-term potential attached. This isn't the deepest group of pass-catchers, but several are gaining momentum at the right time.
Matthew Golden fits into that bracket. The Texas wideout declared for the draft early, confident in his ability to step up to the plate and make a difference immediately. His chances of first-round consideration were bolstered with a superb effort at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Golden was faster than expected, running 4.29 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Couple this with his sharp route running and ability to generate yards after the catch throughout his college career, it's easy to see how a team late in the first round could take a swing.
Selecting Golden at No. 8 overall isn't feasible from Carolina's standpoint. However, if Morgan manages to find a trade-down partner, it becomes more realistic further down the pecking order.
Carolina Panthers must consider Nick Emmanwori
- Safety | South Carolina Gamecocks
Big alterations are expected within the Carolina Panthers' safety corps this offseason. Dan Morgan has one player with starting production under contract currently, and he's an undrafted free agent who was brought along gradually throughout his rookie campaign.
Demani Richardson has obvious potential, but he cannot do it alone. Xavier Woods, Nick Scott, and Jordan Fuller won't be back. Sam Franklin Jr. should be extended for his special teams performances if nothing else, even if his production on the defensive rotation isn't up to the required standard.
Expect the Panthers to address this in free agency and the draft. An almost complete overhaul dictates as much, which brings Nick Emmanwori firmly under the microscope.
Emmanwori is no stranger to Panthers fans having played his college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks. He's a physically dominant enforcer on the backend with the flair for the big moment. It was no surprise to see him shine during drills at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The prospect ranked first among all participating safeties in production, athletic, and overall scores. More importantly, this matches Emmanwori's outstanding tape through a prolific college career.
Again, this would be a trade-down option for the Panthers rather than taking him at No. 8. But if the defensive trenches are fixed in free agency, that couldn't be completely dismissed if there's genuine conviction.
Carolina Panthers must consider Maxwell Hairston
- Cornerback | Kentucky Wildcats
Finding another dynamic cornerback should also be high on the Carolina Panthers' list of objectives throughout the offseason. This need becomes more pressing if Mike Jackson Sr. takes his chances elsewhere in free agency.
The Panthers want to keep Jackson around, but it's dependent on the money involved. Carolina released Dane Jackson after just one season, which was the right call but further depleted the group. Jaycee Horn is the one constant, who could get a lucrative new contract ahead of time at some stage during the offseason.
A big splash in the cornerback room couldn't be dismissed. Going down the draft route is another, with Maxwell Hairston's performance at the NFL Scouting Combine making scouts and front office personnel sit up and take notice.
Hairston blazed a trail in his 40-yard dash. There are some concerns about his size, coming in at 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds. This brings back memories of Emmanuel Forbes Jr.'s lack of prototypical size and how his early career has unfolded.
The Panthers need to be convinced Hairston's size won't go against him in the pros, especially considering he's now tabbed as a late first-round pick. But again, he's only in contention if the Panthers trade down from No. 8 or up from the second round.