Kassidy Hill

CHARLOTTE The 2025 NFL draft is now less than a month away. Teams are updating their big board every day, welcoming in prospects for visits, and evaluating their current rosters every minute of every day. Only a select few in each building know what a club might due when the first round quicks off on April 24 in Green Bay, but between now and then, we will take a look at different positions of need for the Carolina Panthers, and how they might be addressed in the upcoming draft.

The Panthers currently have nine picks:

• Rd. 1, No. 8 overall
• Rd. 2, No 57 overall (from Rams)
• Rd. 3, No. 74 overall
• Rd. 4, No. 111 overall
• Rd. 4, No. 114 overall (from Cowboys)
• Rd. 5, No. 140 overall (from Giants)
• Rd. 5, No. 146 overall
• Rd. 5, No. 163 overall (from Ravens)
• Rd. 7, No. 230 overall (from Cardinals)

Position previews are an aggregation from the opinion and analysis of various draft websites and mock drafts. Analysis by the Panthers editorial staff does not necessarily reflect the Panthers football staff and front office.

First up is quarterback.

The Panthers are seemingly set at quarterback.Bryce Youngreturns as a starter following a back half of the 2024 season that saw a quick ascension.Andy Daltonwas locked in for another year this offseason and will return as a capable starter if need be, and ideal mentor for Young. The Panthers also haveJack Plummeron the roster, who spent last year on the practice squad.

Still, the only thing we ever really know about the draft is we know nothing, so in order to be fully prepared, let's take a look at some of the quarterbacks in this years class.

Cam Ward Miami

What to make of Cam Ward? He played five years at the college level at three schools, utilizing a COVID year to spend his final season of eligibility at Miami. It paid off, delivering statistically his best year to date with a 67.2 completion percentage, throwing for 4,313 yards (second most in FBS) and a career best 39 touchdowns (the most in FBS) to seven interceptions. Ward is a gunslinger, which makes for exciting play and a beyond impressive pro day, but also leans on risks that NFL coaches aren't always a fan of. Could be the first overall pick.

Shedeur Sanders Colorado

Prime Time's son put on a show in 2024, throwing for 4,134 yards (third-most in college football) and 37 touchdowns (second-most in FBS behind Ward). What scouts will notice even more though is his FBS-best 74 percent completion rate. Sanders, along with Travis Hunter, delivered in some of the most high pressure moments for the Buffaloes, setting him up for the NFL.

Jalen Milroe Alabama

The Crimson Tide experienced a down year from what they are used to, but Milroe's potential and measurables are going to attract a few clubs. After spending two years as a backup to one Bryce Young, Milroe took over the starting job in 2023. It was a roller coaster of a year as Milroe learned to trust his game. By 2024, Milroe led the Tide in both passing and rushing, finishing with 2,844 yards and 16 touchdowns passing, with 726 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground. He's dynamic, but will have to be in the right system to truly flourish.

Will Howard Ohio State

Fresh off winning a national championship, Will Howard brings a precision that NFL scouts will appreciate. He had a 73.1 completion percentage (second most in FBS) for 4,010 yards, 35 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. He's big, at 6-4 235 pounds, and rushed a career-high 105 times last season.

Riley Leonard Notre Dame

Another big body at 6-4, 216 pounds, with playoff experience, Leonard has shown a willingness to take chances and hits if it means picking up extra yardage. Leonard is on the lower end of passing yards amongst all the top quarterbacks in this years class, with 2,861 yards and a 66.7 completion percentage, but the dual-threat passer has the most production on the ground with 906 yards and 17 touchdowns on 184 carries. With the grit general managers like, Leonard will get looks early on, but is another example of needing the right scheme to produce.

Jaxson Dart Mississippi

The quintessential Ole Miss quarterback, Dart has the flowing hair and arm talent required of a Lane Kiffin offense. He finished with the third-most passing yards in FBS with 4,279 total, 29 touchdowns and six interceptions. A lot of what Dart brought to the field was just slinging it, and will be looking for a team where he can ideally sit and develop.