NFL: Carolina Panthers Top 5 Draft Needs

The Carolina Panthers have been riddled by injuries, bad coaching, and so much more that has crippled this organization for the past few years. Luckily, they have nine draft picks this year to help right this ship before they get caught in another rebuilding trap. Right now, they have the 8th, 57th, 74th, 110th, and 113th picks, which should help them start the journey out of the black hole they’ve been in for years.

Wide Receiver

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 13: Xavier Legette #17 of the Carolina Panthers makes a touchdown pass against Clark Phillips III #22 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)

Even though the Panthers picked Xavier Legette last year, why wouldn’t you want to add another threat. At the eighth spot, someone like Tetairoa McMillan would not only add depth but another playmaker, which this offense lacks right now.

Defensive Line

There should be a lot of great defensive linemen left when the Panthers pick again at 57th. That means you could see them go with T.J. Sanders or Alfred Collins at this point of the draft and if they miss on both of them, Collins teammate Vernon Broughton would be an excellent back up option to consider.

Edge

Jul 24, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte speaks to the media during the ACC Kickoff at Hilton Charlotte Uptown. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

If you want to generate pressure on the quarterback, then the Panthers should consider Ashton Gillotte or Jared Ivey at the 74th spot. Both would be great additions, but Ivey’s size could give him an edge since being 6 ‘6 will help even if he can’t make it to the pocket in time.

Cornerback

With two picks, 100 and 103, being so close together, this would be a perfect chance to score a developmental cornerback. Bihal Kone and Jacob Parrish both fit this description, which gives the Panthers many ways to go at this point of the draft.

Safety

Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio St defensive back Lathan Ransom (DB46) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images

This position is going to be the same as cornerbacks, and Lathan Ransom fits the Panthers perfectly. Jonas Sanker is also around this range but I feel they would be reaching for him at this point. Regardless, both would help add depth since last year they had a lot of