Bryce Young looked down and out after his benching earlier this season. The Carolina Panthers took him out of the firing line after a woeful effort in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Most thought this would be the end of his time with the franchise.
Young is made of sterner stuff.
While most players would have sulked their way to a different environment, the former No. 1 overall selection used this time to self-evaluate and progress accordingly. Young was also a model teammate, doing everything possible to help Andy Dalton and keeping the same mindset amid the chaos.
When the chance came for Young to start again, he was ready to seize the moment. The improvements were notable. His confidence increased exponentially and there was a comfort under center for arguably the first time. Although the Panthers didn't beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12, the signal-caller went toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes to further raise optimism.
Carolina Panthers could build around Bryce Young in the 2025 NFL Draft
Head coach Dave Canales is starting to believe. Young's teammates are fully on board, with his post-game speech in the locker room after their last-second defeat versus the Chiefs demonstrating fully that he's a player who can lead this franchise back to prominence.
If the same trend continues over Carolina's remaining six games, a situation could emerge where the Panthers opt to build around Young rather than find another alternative during the offseason. That would be a remarkable turnaround considering how dismal things looked for the former Alabama star once upon a time.
Dan Morgan will be watching developments closely. The general manager is well-positioned to strengthen his roster this offseason. Molding a squad around Young represents the best-case scenario, especially with this year's quarterback draft class coming with questions attached aside from projected No. 1 pick Shedeur Sanders.
Using the Pro Football Network mock simulator, we took a look at how the Panthers could utilize their 2025 NFL Draft selections if those in power decide to build around Young rather than hitting the reset button.
Carolina Panthers draft Mason Graham
- Defensive Line | Michigan Wolverines
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 5
Dan Morgan spent his first offseason solidifying the offensive trenches. This was a shrewd move by the general manager looking at the improvements made along the offensive line. His plans in 2025 might center around the opposite side of the football.
The defensive front needs another capable performer alongside Derrick Brown and A'Shawn Robinson. Much will depend on whether Ejiro Evero stays on, but the Panthers need a genuine game-wrecker to become a force sooner rather than later.
Options will be plentiful with a top-five selection. However, few come with more potential than Mason Graham. The Michigan prospect is one of college football's brightest stars, boasting a unique blend of size, strength, and athleticism - traits that should go down extremely well in the pros.
Slotting Graham next to Brown once he returns from injury represents a mouth-watering proposition.
Carolina Panthers draft Kyle Kennard
- Edge Rusher | South Carolina Gamecocks
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 47
Generating pressure has been a difficult task for the Panthers this season overall. Things have improved drastically since D.J. Wonnum returned to the lineup, which brought improved production from Jadeveon Clowney with some extra space to do damage for good measure.
That said, the Panthers are not blessed with much quality in this critical area. Wonnum and Clowney are plugging the gap for now, but there's no guarantee either will be around in 2025 looking at the financial benefits of their early releases. It would be surprising if Morgan went in this direction, but adding another promising edge rusher is critical when the draft rolls around.
Kyle Kennard has the physical profile to make a significant impact at the pro level. The South Carolina prospect is a relentless force getting after the quarterback, boasting 11.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 2024. His explosiveness off the block and improving hands can be a significant asset for any team.
Once Kennard refines his pass-rushing moves and becomes a little more disciplined against the run, someone will have a real player on their hands.
Carolina Panthers draft Denzel Burke
- Cornerback | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 71
The Panthers could use another cornerback to assist with their potential progression into playoff consideration under general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales. Jaycee Horn is a stud and should get paid handsomely this offseason. There are concerns elsewhere, so acquiring another piece from the college ranks is something to contemplate.
Mike Jackson Sr. is out of contract but could get another deal. Dane Jackson's not meeting expectations as yet, but Morgan believes in the player enough to dictate he might be another shot in 2025. Unless rookie Chau Smith-Wade progresses effectively, the Panthers need another useful option.
Denzel Burke has exceptional ball skills and anticipates things well in coverage. He demonstrates outstanding short-area quickness and is a fluid mover with NFL-caliber length.
This is matched in the player's production this season at Ohio State. Burke isn't the quickest going downfield and his tackling technique can flounder on occasion. But these are coachable traits.
Carolina Panthers draft Bryson Nesbit
- Tight End | North Carolina Tar Heels
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 107
The Carolina Panthers must be thrilled with what they've seen from Ja'Tavion Sanders. Many thought he could make a gradual transition into a prominent role. Not many anticipated him becoming the team's undisputed No. 1 tight end in such a short timeframe.
This shouldn't stop the Panthers from acquiring another tight end option at some stage during the offseason. Ian Thomas is out of contract and is likely to be moved on with little fanfare attached. The same goes for Tommy Tremble, who is a useful blocker but cannot be depended upon in the passing game.
Having two tight ends capable of making a difference is only going to help Bryce Young. Bryson Nesbit is an intriguing prospect at this stage of the draft given his ability to create separation effectively over short to intermediate routes.
The North Carolina prospect is a dangerous weapon after the catch and his previous experience as a wide receiver ensures he knows how to manipulate opposing defensive backs at the top of their route stems. There's some work to do as a blocker, but Nesbit is a willing learner with a ton of impressive athletic attributes.
Carolina Panthers draft Tez Johnson
- Wide Receiver | Oregon Ducks
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 113
The Panthers have a solid young wide receiver duo in Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. They've shown enormous promise throughout the campaign and represent outstanding building blocks for the future. That's not enough if Dave Canales wants this offense to take another leap forward in 2025.
Adam Thielen is a prominent veteran presence but looks like a prime salary-cap cut candidate this spring. The Panthers traded Jonathan Mingo and Diontae Johnson before the deadline, so adding to the group is almost guaranteed. It might even be one of the team's highest priorities when push comes to shove.
Tez Johnson represents decent value here. The Oregon prospect offers something a little different to what the Panthers have at their disposal currently. He's electrifying with the football in his hands and is a threat to score at any point. However, his lack of legitimate size means Canales would need to scheme him open to avoid getting obstructed in press coverage.
Carolina Panthers draft Jaishawn Barham
- Linebacker | Michigan Wolverines
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 139
The Panthers need a long-term plan at linebacker. Josey Jewell is performing much better these days and rookie Trevin Wallace has flashed promise, but another unfortunate injury to Shaq Thompson could bring his time in Carolina to an end this offseason.
Adding a versatile development piece wouldn't be the worst idea in the world. Dan Morgan knows what a good linebacker should be from a physical and mental aspect. It would be surprising if someone like Jaishawn Barham didn't take his fancy during the pre-draft assessment process.
Barham is a violent tackler with an NFL-ready physique right now. He's an outstanding run defender thanks to smooth lateral agility for a man his size. There's also a lot to like about his ability to generate pressure if put in the right situations.
Anyone drafting Barham needs to improve his coverage prowess. The player can also gamble too much, which can be his undoing.
Carolina Panthers draft Keon Sabb
- Safety | Alabama Crimson Tide
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 143
The Carolina Panthers could have a bigger need at safety than most thought during the offseason. Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller are both out of contract and might not return. Sam Franklin Jr.'s special teams prowess should be enough for an extended stay, but there's just no telling for sure right now.
Carolina's urgency regarding backend reinforcements is dependent on Woods and Fuller's statuses. Undrafted free agent Demani Richardson has shown promise. That shouldn't prevent the Panthers from adding another safety to develop into a potential contributor over time.
Keon Sabb has the football intelligence, athleticism, and awareness to make an impression with a little extra refinement. He's got a strong NFL-caliber build and thrives against the run with exceptional force and an impressive tackling technique in the open field.
Sabb can be over-aggressive, which leaves him susceptible to being manipulated by opposing quarterbacks. This is all coachable and the defensive back has the mentality needed to maximize the opportunity awaiting him.
Carolina Panthers draft Kaden Prather
- Wide Receiver | Maryland Terrapins
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 161
No team can ever have enough good pass-catchers. The Panthers have a few decent options currently. They might turn their attention to a veteran presence in free agency depending on how much money they can free up. But if general manager Dan Morgan can find another gem in the late rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, the better their chances will be.
Bryce Young is slowly proving he can be the guy. Dave Canales might not be entirely convinced just yet, but the signs are promising. If they decide to give him another year in 2025, enhancing the weapons available is crucial.
At 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, Kaden Prather represents a matchup nightmare when in the mood. One could argue the Maryland prospect hasn't maximized his exceptional physical attributes as yet, but his wide catch radius and body control give him a fighting chance of carving out a decent rotational role for himself at the next level.
Carolina Panthers draft Xavier Truss
- Offensive Line | Georgia Bulldogs
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 230
Carolina's offensive line is the season's biggest success story. The improvements made to the playing personnel, enhanced blocking concepts implemented by head coach Dave Canales, and the outstanding coaching of Joe Gilbert turned this weak link into an area of strength. But there are some questions surrounding the unit heading into the offseason.
Austin Corbett, Brady Christensen, and Cade Mays are all out of contract. All three won't come back, although it would be nice. Finding contingencies to bolster the team's depth is essential to keep their momentum building.
At 6-foot-7 and 320 pounds, Xavier Truss has the physical scope to be a nice development prospect. The Georgia standout lacks the technical skills right now, but his brute power and sturdy base make him a force to be reckoned with. He's also got the versatility to play anywhere along the offensive line with some additional development.