The Carolina Panthers are sitting in a pivotal spot with the 8th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft—and all signs point to something big brewing in Charlotte.
After an offseason that brought defensive reinforcements like safety Tre’von Moerig and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, Carolina still finds itself with several pressing needs—most notably a true No. 1 wide receiver and a dominant pass rusher. With limited top-tier weapons added and only one pick in the top 50, the Panthers are reportedly considering an unexpected approach: trading down.
According to Joseph Person of The Athletic, Carolina is “open” to moving back in the first round if the draft board falls a certain way. This strategy could be a game-changer. With glaring holes on both sides of the ball and only three picks in the top 100, trading down could give the Panthers the extra draft capital they desperately need to address multiple positions.
It’s a delicate balancing act. The 2025 receiver class isn’t stacked like previous years, but Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan—considered the draft’s only clear-cut No. 1 wideout—could still be available at No. 8. Adding a dynamic weapon for second-year quarterback Bryce Young would be a tempting option. On the flip side, Carolina’s defense was one of the league’s worst in 2024, and building a legitimate pass rush is essential if the team wants to compete in a stacked NFC South.
The draft board could ultimately determine Carolina’s path. If the first seven picks are heavy on quarterbacks and offensive linemen, elite edge rushers like Jalon Walker may still be in play. That scenario could let the Panthers trade down a few slots, still land a top-tier defender, and pick up additional selections in the process. But if a high-ceiling hybrid player like Walker is available at No. 8, Carolina might decide the reward isn’t worth the risk of waiting.
Either way, Panthers fans should buckle up. With an aggressive front office, a young quarterback to build around, and a ton of roster holes still to patch, Carolina appears ready to make waves when the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off.