Dan Morgan was active as expected over the early stages of free agency. The Carolina Panthers general manager promised as much during his media availability at the NFL Scouting Combine. He proved to be a man of his word.
Carolina focused its primary attention on fortifying the defense after an abysmal campaign from Ejiro Evero's unit in 2024. Losing out on Milton Williams was a blow, but Morgan pivoted quickly to ensure the Panthers weren't left short-changed amid the chaos.
The Panthers' roster looks better now than it did a fortnight ago. That's a big positive from Morgan's perspective, but the front-office leader should be aware of how much hard work remains to improve Carolina's chances of challenging for the NFC South championship in 2025.
Fortunately for the Panthers, they have nine selections in the draft to find instant-impact players and development projects to enhance depth. Morgan got mixed returns from his first class, so the pressure is on to fix holes and find the right characters needed to take Carolina up another notch.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we took a look at how the Panthers could approach their selections in a post-free agency mock draft.
Carolina Panthers 7-round mock draft after busy 2025 free agency
Carolina Panthers draft Jalon Walker
- Linebacker/Edge Rusher | Georgia Bulldogs
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 8
The Carolina Panthers spent lavish sums to improve their defense this offseason. However, the consensus suggests Dan Morgan will spend the No. 8 overall selection on a dynamic defensive piece to add some extra explosiveness.
Two prospects are gaining more momentum than most. And they both come from the same prestigious college program.
Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams are reportedly high on Carolina's shortlist. Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham might be a difficult proposition to turn down if he falls, but the chances of that are slim unless there's quarterback panic atop the order.
If it's a choice between the two, Walker should be the preference thanks to his versatility. The Georgia standout boasts experience as an off-ball linebacker or edge rusher. These are the traits Carolina lacked defensively last season after Frankie Luvu departed for the Washington Commanders in free agency.
Walker sets the edge well against the run and has eye-popping closing speed. His burst to the contact point is extraordinary. There's a good chance the incoming star is only just scratching the surface of what he's capable of. Coming from a winning program and established locker room with NFL hopefuls only sweetens the pot.
Carolina Panthers draft Isaiah Bond
- Wide Receiver | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 57
The Carolina Panthers were right to prioritize their defense this offseason. However, they cannot neglect the weapons around quarterback Bryce Young when the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around.
There is reported confidence in Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker making a sophomore leap after flashing as rookies. Adam Thielen is holding off retirement for another season, which is a major boost for Young considering the strong rapport between the two on and off the field.
That won't be enough. The Panthers need an explosive presence capable of stretching the field and making things happen after the catch. Isaiah Bond ticks those boxes and could be available when Carolina goes on the clock in the second round.
Bond declared for the draft early after a decent year at Texas. The athletic intangibles are absolutely off the charts, but putting it together consistently has been sometimes difficult for the gifted pass-catcher.
The Panthers would be wise to seek Young's counsel if they identify Bond as a prospect of interest. The pair were teammates in 2022 at Alabama, so the signal-caller will be able to provide useful insight into his capabilities and whether his personality can fit into Carolina's locker room culture shift.
If the Panthers don't take a wideout with their first-round pick, Bond becomes a legitimate option to consider.
Carolina Panthers draft Andrew Mukuba
- Safety | Texas Longhorns
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 74
It's no secret that the Panthers are desperate for safety assistance. Dan Morgan pulled off a free-agent coup with the signing of Tre'von Moehrig, but that won't be enough to sure up the backend.
The Panthers have two other safeties under contract right now. Undrafted free agent Demani Richardson showed promise as a rookie and could be a key part of the rotation with additional development. Nick Scott was re-signed to a one-year deal, but he'll need to improve drastically to make an impact after underwhelming last time around.
Expect the Panthers to address this early in the draft. Morgan could acquire one of the top-end prospects with a trade-down from No. 8 overall. If he opts to stand pat, someone like Andrew Mukuba makes a ton of sense a little further down the pecking order.
Mukuba might be a little undersized, but his college production was nothing short of sensational. The defensive back thrives in coverage, providing adequate support to the backend. He even has the traits to be deployed in the nickel spot if the situation dictates.
The Texas standout's skill set compliments what Moehrig brings to the table. That shouldn't go unnoticed by the Panthers.
Carolina Panthers draft Jackson Slater
- Offensive Line | Sacramento State Hornets
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 114
The Panthers kept continuity along the offensive line this offseason. That was a smart move by Dan Morgan after the protection in front of quarterback Bryce Young demonstrated notable growth thanks to some hefty investments last spring.
Austin Corbett was re-signed despite another injury-plagued year. He'll compete with Cade Mays for the starting center spot, although the former sixth-round selection hasn't signed his tender as yet. Brady Christensen, who can play at all five positions along the offensive line, surprisingly came back when interest was expected on the open market.
That's a big positive, but the Panthers cannot settle. No team can ever have enough good offensive linemen, so adding another via the college ranks to fortify depth wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
A chance is taken on Jackson Slater. The interior force comes from a smaller program at Sacramento State, but his production and scope for further improvements make him an intriguing development piece.
Slater excels in pass protection. He's explosive to the contact point with the necessary agility to counteract quick changes in direction. Building more core strength would be prudent, but learning from the likes of Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis makes this a tremendous landing spot.
Carolina Panthers draft Ollie Gordon II
- Running Back | Oklahoma State Cowboys
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 123
Dan Morgan outlined a desire to trade back for more picks at some stage during the 2025 NFL Draft. That scenario was presented here after a small deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers landed the Carolina Panthers one more selection.
That gives Morgan the added luxury to select an enticing prospect in a position of strength. Carolina bolstered its running back room by signing Rico Dowdle in free agency to replace released veteran Miles Sanders. That represents an immediate upgrade, but it shouldn't prevent the Panthers from capitalizing on a deep draft class at the position.
Jonathon Brooks is set to miss most if not all of the 2025 campaign with another torn ACL. The Panthers still have faith in the player. However, waiting around is simply not an option.
Ollie Gordon II is someone who offers a change-of-pace presence. He's also drawing interest from the Panthers throughout the assessment phase following an outstanding college career at Oklahoma State.
Gordon burst onto the scene in 2023, earning All-American honors after accumulating 1,732 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. His on-field vision, ability to exploit gaps, and supreme contact balance represent good value at this stage of the draft.
Carolina Panthers draft David Walker
- Edge Rusher | Central Arkansas Bears
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 140
Dan Morgan wasted no time in finding veteran players for his defensive front seven in free agency. This was an absolute necessity considering how things unfolded during a woefully inept 2024 season from Ejiro Evero's unit.
The primary focus centered on Carolina's 3-4 front. The Panthers also picked up a cost-effective presence on the edge with Patrick Jones II, who's coming off a career year with the Minnesota Vikings and should be an asset alongside Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum.
Depth is relatively scarce aside from that. Jalon Walker will help in this mock draft scenario. But if David Walker is available here, it represents a difficult propsoition to turn down.
Walker thrived during his stint at Central Arkansas. He's not the biggest, which will hurt his stock when push comes to shove, but he's incredibly talented in all phases.
The prospect is an explosive pass-rusher with a nice blend of bend and power. Walker uses his lack of height to his advantage, getting low with a quick-fire burst that's difficult to stop once momentum is generated. He's also a force against the run — something the Panthers desperately lacked last season.
Carolina Panthers draft Ricky White
- Wide Receiver | UNLV Rebels
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 146
After the Panthers ignored the wide receiver options around quarterback Bryce Young in free agency aside from re-signing David Moore, don't be surprised if Dan Morgan double-dips at the position when the 2025 NFL Draft rolls around.
The Panthers added one earlier in this mock draft with Texas standout Isaiah Bond. It's not projected to be an especially prolific class, but some rough diamonds could emerge if they find the right fit. That brings Ricky White III under the microscope.
White could be an absolute steal. He was a dominant force at UNLV, gaining 2,524 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns over the last two seasons. He's not going to blow anyone away with physical traits. However, the wideout knows how to get open.
Simply put, White is a route technician. He knows how to exploit soft zones in coverage and give his quarterback good throwing windows. His versatility to play anywhere along the line of scrimmage makes him a potential long-term replacement for Adam Thielen if everything goes well.
That's a lot to ask, but having a year to learn from the Pro Bowler would put White in a profitable position.
Carolina Panthers draft Jacob Parrish
- Cornerback | Kansas State Wildcats
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 156
There's a good chance the Carolina Panthers select a cornerback much sooner than this. Having Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr. will help enormously. Chau Smiith-Wade flashed promise in the nickel as a rookie, but that won't be enough to counteract some outstanding passing attacks on the schedule in 2025.
Adding another proven veteran at some stage would be wise. If Jacob Parrish was around at this stage of the draft, it's a gamble worth taking from the Panthers' perspective.
Parrish isn't the biggest. He measured in at 5-foot-10 and 191 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he plays with the ferocious mindset that will make him a fan favorite in no time at all.
The Kansas State prospect mirrors wide receivers extremely well. Parrish displays outstanding closing speed and anticipates where the football is going well. He's got more than enough speed to go downfield with receivers, tracking the ball superbly and turning opportunities into turnovers.
There is some work ahead. Parrish needs to improve his strength and ability against the run. But he's got a tremendous foundation from which to build.
Carolina Panthers draft Jordan Phillips
- Defensive Line | Maryland Terrapins
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 163
The Panthers' defensive front looks a lot stronger after free agency. Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III were two notable additions. Shy Tuttle agreed to take a pay cut to stick around and LaBryan Ray was also re-signed to fortify depth.
Couple this with Derrick Brown returning from injury and the presence of A'Shawn Robinson, things are looking up at long last. Even so, Dan Morgan should take advantage of an exceptionally deep draft class for defensive linemen in 2025.
Jordan Phillips is the sort of high-ceiling prospect well worth taking at this stage of the draft. The Maryland standout got an early exemption to enter the draft this year. Although his testing at the NFL Scouting Combine didn't blow anyone away, he's got plenty of untapped potential that can be molded into something more.
Phillips is aggressive with the physical tools capable of making an impact on the rotational with a smooth transition. There wouldn't be much pressure on him to contribute immediately with Carolina's other options. Patience will be key, so bringing him along gradually is essential if the Panthers go down this route.
Carolina Panthers draft Jalin Conyers
- Tight End | Texas Tech Red Raiders
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 230
The Panthers re-signed Tommy Tremble this offseason. Those in power also hold out high hopes for Ja'Tavion Sanders after the No. 101 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft flashed promise as a rookie.
That doesn't mean the Panthers are done adding to their tight end room. Ian Thomas won't be back, so finding another weapon that can potentially make an immediate impression will be among Dan Morgan's list of priorities.
Much like the cornerback siituation, the Panthers could take a tight end much sooner than this. If they decide to wait, Jalin Conyers is well worth a flier wiith the team's final selection in 2025.
Conyers is underrated. He's a good athlete and a sharp route runner. His best college campaign came with Jayden Daniels throwing to him at Arizona State in 2022 before the pass-catcher transferred to Texas Tech. The prospect fights through contact well and knows how to create separation quickly in the red zone. They are always highly-coveted traits in the pros.
Expecting miracles from Conyers right away would be unrealistic. But he could be a lot better than people think with the correct NFL-caliber coaching.