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Team Needs: Edge, WR, CB, Safety
“Keep Pounding,” that’s the slogan for the Carolina Panthers and one that resonates with players and fans alike. The team did just that in 2024 as they steadily improved as the season went on. They now head into what is one of the most important times of a team’s rebuild cycle.
The 2025 NFL Draft will give this team the chance to build around Bryce Young in his third season. The foundation is set, they now need to build the house.
Possible Targets
James Pearce Jr. – Edge, Tennessee
Andrew Mukuba – Safety, Texas
Sam Brown Jr. – Wide Receiver, Miami
The Panthers have many holes to fill after the mass exodus they had in 2024. The defense was serviceable but had no real standouts in the front seven outside of Derrick Brown. The team has a glaring hole at the edge rusher position and that could be the target early in the draft.
Taking a top-end talent with elite physical traits is a tried and true method in the draft realm. One layer that fits that mold is Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr.
The former Volunteer lit the combine up and showed the burst that made him a feared pass rusher in college. Getting that kind of athlete on the edge next to Brown would make this Carolina defense exponentially better in 2025.
Improving the front seven will also require a revamp of the secondary. After losing Xavier Woods to free agency, the team will need to refill the cupboard at safety.
Andrew Mukuba is no stranger to the Carolina’s as he played his early days of college for the Clemson Tigers. His tenacity in run defense is only bested by his coverage ability. He would be a young replacement for Woods with a higher ceiling.
Carolina has some good young pieces at wide receiver but they need to get more. They drafted Xavier Legette in the first round and snatched a gem in undrafted free agent, Jalen Coker, but need to get more talent in that room.
The Panthers could look to a player like Sam Brown Jr. to reinforce their receiving corps. Brown is a speedy big-bodied receiver who can stretch the field vertically and create big plays.
He is as reliable a target as any in the class but didn’t get the most opportunities at Miami. Getting him in a Dave Canales system could help him and this offense unlock their potential.
The month of April is going to be one of the most important times of the year for Carolina. They can make or break their future depending on how they come out in the draft. It’s imperative that they complete the draft with some solid players to help build their future.
