Panthers see if lightning can strike twice in a new 2025 NFL mock draft by doing something most teams frown upon
The Carolina Panthers have been active through the first wave of free agency to improve their roster.But they still have multiple glaring needs remaining ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. In a new A to Z Sports mock draft, the Panthers try and find out if lightning can, in fact, strike twice by taking a swing on […]
The Carolina Panthers have been active through the first wave of free agency to improve their roster.
But they still have multiple glaring needs remaining ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. In a new A to Z Sports mock draft, the Panthers try and find out if lightning can, in fact, strike twice by taking a swing on an off-ball linebacker, just like they did when they struck gold by selecting Luke Kuechly.
Panthers try and replicate their success of drafting franchise great Luke Kuechly by selecting Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell in a new mock draft
"Some may think Jihaad Campbell having to have surgery after the combine could lead to him dropping down the board. I honestly don't think that happens. Teams were high on Campbell before his dominant performance at the combine, and I believe he is going to be one of the first defensive players off the board come April. Campbell is a do-it-all LB who has the ability to elevate a defense more than your typical off-ball LB. There were multiple teams rumored to be high on Campbell leaving the combine; one that I heard the most, though, was Carolina."
– New A to Z Sports Mock Draft
Taking an off-ball linebacker in the top 10 isn't something every NFL team would consider doing. The Panthers, though, used the ninth pick in the 2012 NFL Draft on Luke Kuechly, and they certainly don't regret it. He was selected to seven Pro Bowls and earned five All-Pro honors. 13 years later, the Panthers have the chance to do it again just one pick earlier as they own the eighth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Alabama's Jihaad Campbell is a unique prospect who wore a lot of hats on the Crismon Tide's defense. He would give the Panthers a swiss army knife out of the LB position. He has shown he can drop back in coverage, attack the ball carrier, and even rush the passer and be efficient in all three areas. Some will say you can't take an off-ball linebacker in the top 10 in 2025, but I argue that Campbell is a special player, and his worth to a team goes well beyond the position he will be listed at on the depth chart.
Panthers prove they were one step ahead of the NFL after another historical contract is given out to a budding superstar
Even though it made sense to me, a lot of people questioned the Carolina Panthers' recent decision to make Jaycee Horn the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history. He's an elite talent that hasn't reached his full potential as perennial All-Pro while also consistently demonstrating he has said potential when healthy. The dissenting argument also made […]
ESPN says the Carolina Panthers got a ‘bargain’ with under-the-radar free agency move
Nice move by the Panthers
