The Carolina Panthers finished a disappointing season with a glimmer of hope. Despite major investments into the offense last offseason, more work must be done. The rebuild continues.

The 2025 NFL Draft will be a major part of the process. With quarterback Bryce Young playing better as this season has progressed, the Panthers can confidently address other needs across their roster. The defense particularly needs help.

Our latest 7-round 2025 NFL mock draft for the Panthers aims to improve the roster so Young can flourish.

Carolina Panthers 7-Round 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Round 1, No. 8: Travis Hunter, CB, Colorado

Going with a pass-rusher is tempting, but the mock draft simulator I used gave me a unique opportunity to go with Travis Hunter. It's hard to feel anything but excitement about Hunter being on the board. He's a culture-setter who is an excellent player at two positions.

Cornerback seems to be the emerging favorite for where Hunter plays, and the Panthers have a need for a big-time playmaker there across from Jaycee Horn. 

Round 2, No. 57: Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU

There's been a recent push for Bradyn Swinson as a Day 2 riser after the masses recognized his leap in production. Swinson has great tools, and his fifth-year breakout results from a much-improved repertoire of moves and more strength. After registering 60 pressures, the 6-foot-4, 250-pounder profiles as an asset for a Carolina defense still lacking playmaking in the front seven. 

Round 3, No. 74: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford

Getting a real vertical threat in the door for Bryce Young would be great. I know there's some hope for Xavier Legette to emerge as that guy, but I view him more as a creator after the catch. Instead of banking on someone who was a reach last year to fill a role that doesn't fit him, adding Elic Ayomanor is more sensical.

Ayomanor creates chunk plays and has been one of the most reliable players at the catch point over the last few classes. I don't think he'll ever push for the Pro Bowl unless he's with an elite quarterback, but this value is too good to pass on someone who adds a new dynamic to the scheme. 

Round 4, No. 110: Andrew Mukuba, SAF, Texas

It's hard to say that any draft-eligible safety was better than Andrew Mukuba this past season. The Clemson transfer was used more as a true free safety instead of a slot defender, and he thrived. Some of that is because his 190-pound frame held up better in space versus being in the slot matched up against pulling blockers.

Carolina has been fine at the safety spot, but fresh blood who can force turnovers and hold his own in man coverage can help bring out the best of the defense.

Round 4, No. 113: Jordan Phillips, DT, Maryland

His counting stats from Maryland aren't impressive, but Jordan Phillips raked every blocker over the coals while at the Shrine Bowl. He looked unblockable in 1-on-1 situations, showing more quickness and pass-rush instincts than on game tape. Phillips won't be Aaron Donald, but the Panthers would benefit from another capable three-down tackle who can get after the quarterback a little bit.

Round 5, No. 141: Seth McLaughlin, OC, Ohio State

Austin Corbett is…fine, but nothing special. Ohio State's Seth McLaughlin was one of the best centers in the nation in two of the last three years. A dominant pass-blocker and good mover in the run game, McLaughlin can supercharge a position that's been weak for too long in Carolina. Every player around McLaughlin will benefit once he's back from a torn ACL.

Round 5, No. 147: Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland

Take a flier on a good athlete who thrives at finishing at the catch point at this point in a weak class has some upside to it. Kaden Prather surely won't have the career Adam Thielen has, but there are some similarities as far as their stature, hand strength, and ability to win before the catch. Prather was my top-rated player left on the board and can compete for a roster spot in 2025.

Round 5, No. 164: Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon

The steal of this mock draft simulation is Ajani Cornelius. I'm not sure how I missed him with the last pick, but I'm glad I netted both Prather and Cornelius. The Panthers would undoubtedly pounce on the former Oregon right tackle.

Athletic and well-built, Cornelius is the perfect developmental swing tackle to add to their pipeline. He has future starting potential as he improves his hand placement, strength, and functional strength in his lower body.

Round 7, No. 229: Upton Stout, CB, Western Kentucky

A smaller corner who fights tooth and nail, Upton Stout is my top late-round slot option. He more than held his own as an outside corner at the Senior Bowl, showing off terrific quickness and knowing when to attack the ball. I could see him becoming the next Day 3 slot starter who enjoys a successful career.