Carolina Panthers Post-Combine 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Mason Graham vs Tetairoa McMillan debate, and weapons galore

With the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine now in the rearview mirror, we are ready to obsess over the 2025 NFL Draft for the next couple of months. We gained some nice intel last week in Indianapolis, and now are ready to start connecting some teams and players. That means there is no better time for […]

Ryan Roberts — National College Football Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Utah State wideout Jalen Royals (WO38) during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

With the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine now in the rearview mirror, we are ready to obsess over the 2025 NFL Draft for the next couple of months. We gained some nice intel last week in Indianapolis, and now are ready to start connecting some teams and players. That means there is no better time for a good ole' mock draft.

The Carolina Panthers are in a very important offseason, and need to fill several holes. With quarterback Bryce Young playing good football the season half of the season, the team now has to continue building around him. Here are some intriguing fits on both sides of the football. 

Round 1, Pick 8: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

The two names on the board that may have caused a massive debate was Graham and Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. For me, Graham is just the much better football player. He is a potentially dominant presence on the interior.

Round 2, Pick 57: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

The Panthers have some size in the room with Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, but that unit needs to find more dynamic ability. Royals is a densely built pass catcher with nice explosiveness, and playmaking upside to multiple levels of the field.

Round 3, Pick 74: Elijah Arroyo, TE, Miami

Ja’Tavion Sanders showed some nice signs as a rookie, but someone like Arroyo might just be too good to pass up. Arroyo is a versatile move piece that can also be utilized in a heavy volume out of the slot.

Round 4, Pick 113: Charles Grant, OT, William & Mary

Grant brings a really intriguing physical profile. He’s long and athletic enough to stick at offensive tackle, but also could project inside as well. That flexibility is extremely interesting.

Round 5, Pick 141: Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State

Ransom is the type of safety who will never be a star, and may not even be a starter, but will play in the NFL for a very long time. He’s extremely physical, tough, and should be a mainstay on special teams.

Round 5, Pick 147: Ajani Cornelius, OT, Oregon

While Cornelius is only an average NFL athlete, he has enough size, power, and technique to stick for a long time on the NFL level. He has gone somewhat under the radar in this class, but there are some things to like about Cornelius.

Round 5, Pick 164: Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland

While Prather didn’t quite take the step forward you would like in 2024, he is still a height-weight-speed freak to develop. He could also provide some immediate deep threat ability in a compartmentalized role.

Round 7, Pick 229: Kalel Mullings, RB, Michigan

Running back isn’t much of a need for the Panthers, but Mullings’ power could give him a chance for a short-yardage role on the next level. Mullings should also be able to contribute on special teams as well. 

Related Articles