Dan Morgan faces a crucial 2025 NFL Draft process in his quest to get the Carolina Panthers into NFC South title contention. Having the capital is one thing, but using it wisely is something else entirely.
The Panthers had one priority above all else this offseason. They needed to fix some glaring issues on defense after Ejiro Evero's unit went down in league history for all the wrong reasons. Nothing else would have sufficed.
Morgan spent heavily on free agents capable of providing immediate assistance. Things look a lot more promising now, which also means Evero will have no excuses next season as pressure mounts on his long-term outlook in Carolina.
This was a good start to Carolina's second recruitment period with Morgan leading the charge, but there is a lot of hard work remaining. The Panthers have nine picks in the draft to find immediate difference-makers and fortify depth with intriguing development pieces. If they can navigate the selection event successfully, it'll only improve their chances of potentially becoming a surprise package when competitive action commences.
Using the Pro Football Network simulator, we looked at how Morgan could approach his nine selections in our latest seven-round 2025 mock draft.
Carolina Panthers maximize their resources in 2025 NFL mock draft
Carolina Panthers draft Jalon Walker
- Edge Rusher/Linebacker | Georgia Bulldogs
- Round No. 1 | Pick No. 8
It's not hard to read between the lines here. The Carolina Panthers' new regime has a lot of qualities. Hiding their draft intentions — especially with their early picks — is not one of them.
The Panthers honed in on wide receiver Xavier Legette relatively early in the process last year. Others are being considered, of course, but Jalon Walker is seemingly extremely high on their shortlist of possibilities at No. 8 overall.
Nothing is set in stone as yet. The Panthers seemed suitably impressed after bringing Walker in for a private visit. Dave Canales gushed about the player during a recent interview. The feeling was mutual based on the Georgia prospect's comments to Kay Adams from the Up and Adams show.
Walker is a versatile chess piece with the explosiveness that should slot seamlessly into Ejiro Evero's defensive schematics. This is something the Panthers lacked in 2024 when Frankie Luvu left for the Washington Commanders in free agency.
Whether it's as an off-ball linebacker or being deployed as an edge rusher, Walker can do it all. His ability to inspire others is equally if not more pivotal, so it's not hard to see why the Panthers have become infatuated with the player.
It'll be a nervous wait for Carolina before they go on the clock. If Walker is available, it might take too long for Morgan to turn in his card.
Carolina Panthers draft Jaylin Noel
- Wide Receiver | Iowa State Cyclones
- Round No. 2 | Pick No. 57
Adding to the defense should be among Dan Morgan's most pressing priorities early in the draft. However, neglecting the weapons around quarterback Bryce Young is simply not an option either.
The Carolina Panthers have confidence in those currently around. Fans were clamoring for a legitimate No. 1 receiver this offseason. Dave Canales believes Xavier Legette can be that guy, despite inquiring about D.K. Metcalf when the Seattle Seahawks made him available for trade.
This is a big gamble, but one that those in power believed was necessary after watching the Panthers' defense go through untold complications last season. That should change at some point during the draft, although there's a growing belief that the process will be defense-focused rather than prioritizing offensive help.
Jaylin Noel represents good value at the bottom end of the second round. He's an explosive route runner with assured hands and a quick-fire release at the top of his route stems. The Iowa State prospect tested extremely well throughout the assessment stage, which got him on the radar as a Day 2 pick with tremendous promise.
Once Noel's after-the-catch prowess matches his ability to create separation, someone is going to have an exceptional player on their hands. He's the perfect long-term replacement for Adam Thielen, who's in the final year of his deal and could retire after the 2025 campaign.
Carolina Panthers draft Elijah Arroyo
- Tight End | Miami Hurricanes
- Round No. 3 | Pick No. 74
The Panthers stood firm with their tight-end options this offseason. Ian Thomas was let go as expected, but Tommy Tremble got a supreme vote of confidence with a new contract when it was initially thought he would test the market.
Ja'Tavion Sanders' rookie flashes leave reasons for optimism. The former Texas standout and Tremble will have big roles to play. That shouldn't stop the Panthers from adding another tight end at some stage during the 2025 NFL Draft.
This is a deep draft class for tight ends. The Panthers could entertain someone like Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland if they trade down from No. 8 overall. There's also a good chance of unearthing a rough diamond further down the pecking order if the right opportunity comes along.
Elijah Arroyo ticks those boxes. The Miami prospect is an athletic pass-catcher with crisp route-running and dependable hands. His size and wingspan make him a mismatch against linebackers or nickel cornerbacks. He's also a willing blocker in the run game, demonstrating violent tendencies in line or at the second level.
Arroyo is raw technically, which makes him a blank canvas. The Panthers could use him in a passing capacity while getting other areas of his game up to speed in Year 1.
Carolina Panthers draft Jordan Hancock
- Cornerback | Ohio State Buckeyes
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 111
The Carolina Panthers need help at the cornerback position. Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn got a bumper new extension and Mike Jackson Sr. was re-signed, but that won't be enough regardless of how much progress Chau Smith-Wade makes this offseason after flashing in the nickel role as a rookie.
There's a good chance Carolina addresses this need on Day 2 of the draft or potentially earlier. In this scenario, Dan Morgan bides his time and takes a potential steal to kick off what is expected to be a very busy Day 3 from the Panthers' perspective.
Jordan Hancock is a fluid mover who mirrors routes with aplomb. He's got the instinct to break to the football for breakups or turnovers. The Ohio State prospect also has enough physicality to make a difference closer to the line of scrimmage against the run.
If Hancock can become more disciplined, someone is going to benefit greatly. This is good value for the Panthers at this juncture.
Carolina Panthers draft Jaylen Reed
- Safety | Penn State Nittany Lions
- Round No. 4 | Pick No. 114
The Panthers need more at the safety position. Dan Morgan spent big money to bring Tre'von Moehrig from the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. They are still light on dependable options aside from that.
Demani Richardson could be a high-impact player on the rotation after catching the eye during his rookie exploits. The Panthers also surprisingly re-signed Nick Scott, who'll be tasked more with special-teams responsibilities than anything else.
Again, the Panthers could have addressed this earlier in the draft. If they decide to wait and Jaylen Reed is available at this stage of the process, it would be a difficult proposition to turn down.
Reed, like Moehrig, excels against the run. He's instinctive and physical at the contact point. The Penn State prospect flashes in coverage, is an outstanding leader, and communicates effectively.
This looks like a tremendous scheme fit within Ejiro Evero's 3-4 base scheme. Reed has Day 1 starting potential with a smooth transition.
Carolina Panthers draft Demetrius Knight Jr.
- Linebacker | South Carolina Gamecocks
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 140
Shaq Thompson's decade-long stint with the Panthers is over. Christian Rozeboom was signed in free agency after working with Ejiro Evero on the Los Angeles Rams. That'll help, especially on special teams, but whether it'll impact the defensive rotation remains to be seen.
Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace look like the starting linebacker tandem right now. Jalon Walker's ability to play off-ball when needed should assist, but the Panthers might also look to another second-level presence with upside later in the draft.
Demetrius Knight Jr. boasts plenty of starting college experience and a versatile skill set. He anticipates things well, can assist from a coverage capacity, and can also help in pass-rushing situations when needed. He's a little older than most prospects, so he'll need to pick things up quickly upon joining the professional ranks.
Knight is a mature, high-character guy with a decent football IQ. He's not the most agile, so it'll be interesting to see where the South Carolina prospect ends up.
Carolina Panthers draft Miles Frazier
- Offensive Line | LSU Tigers
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 146
The Carolina Panthers brought back all of their notable contributors along the offensive line this offseason. This was a shrewd move by general manager Dan Morgan, especially considering the improvements made across the protection in front of quarterback Bryce Young.
That said, no team should ever settle. The Panthers don't have a dire need for offensive line reinforcements. That doesn't mean Morgan won't be looking for some value lower down the order to help bolster depth. Getting complacent is not an option.
Miles Frazier could be an intriguing option at this juncture. The LSU prospect brings versatility, playing almost every position before settling at the guard spot. He packs a powerful punch at the contact point and thrives at the second level on running plays.
Frazier's lack of agility will hurt his stock slightly. But with some extra technical polish working with offensive line coach Joe Gilbert, there's a lot to like about his hopes.
Carolina Panthers draft Brashard Smith
- Running Back | SMU Mustangs
- Round No. 5 | Pick No. 163
Signing Rico Dowdle should help the Panthers firmly establish their run-first identity under head coach Dave Canales. Considering the presence of Chuba Hubbard in the running back room, this has the makings of a productive tandem capable of keeping one another fresh during a grueling campaign.
With Miles Sanders released as expected and Jonathon Brooks set to miss the 2025 campaign with another torn ACL, the Panthers need another threat capable of becoming an asset in the passing game. Raheem Blackshear got re-signed, but this might be for his kick-return duties more than anything else.
Brashard Smith is an explosive athlete well worth the risk at this part of the draft. His previous experience as a wide receiver makes him a prolific short-area route-runner out of the backfield. He's explosive in open spaces and has enough creativity to make things happen with the football in his hands.
Asking him to be a genuine RB1 is a stretch, but the Panthers could focus on making him a pass-catching specialist and dangerous special-teams player.
Carolina Panthers draft Nazir Stackhouse
- Defensive Line | Georgia Bulldogs
- Round No. 7 | Pick No. 230
The Panthers finally signed a genuine nose tackle at long last this offseason. Fans have been demanding this for the best part of two years. Dan Morgan finally obliged by bringing Bobby Brown III from the Los Angeles Rams in free agency.
This went relatively overlooked compared to other arrivals, but it could be the most important when it's all said and done. Considering Shy Tuttle's performance levels as the team's anchor on Ejiro Evero's 3-4 front, finding a better backup if Brown gets hurt would be smart.
Nazir Stackhouse could be the answer. The Georgia prospect excelled in the nose tackle role with the Bulldogs. He didn't fill up the stat sheet, but his ability to absorb blocks and clog up space provided the team's dynamic edge rushers with more room to make plays.
Stackhouse is the definition of an unsung hero. Wherever the player lands, he'll probably catch on quickly.