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. These are not rankings of a position, but rather a preview of names projected across all three days of the draft. Analysis by the Panthers editorial staff does not reflect the Panthers football staff and front office

Next up is inside linebacker.

The Panthers will returnJosey JewellandTrevin Wallaceinside, along withClaudin Cherelus,Jacoby WindmonandJon Rhattigan. The club also addedChristian Rozeboomin free agency this spring.

Jihaad CampbellAlabama

Campbell was a full time starter for the Crimson Tide last season, and led the team with 117 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks. He also had two forced fumbles. The 117 tackles was tied for 19th most overall in college football last season. Most draftniks agreeCampbell still has development to go through, but at 6-3, 235 pounds, with speed and tackle ability, Campbell already has the build to be an NFL linebacker

Carson SchwesingerUCLA

The first-team All-American linebacker led all of FBS in solo tackles, with 90 total, and was third overall with 136 total tackles. He was a former walk-on who played his way into a team captain and All-American, something that will jump out to teams, and he's smart, with quick play recognition, according to the NFL Network draft analyst Lance Zierlein.

Demetrius Knight Jr.South Carolina

Knight is 25 years old, making him one of the oldest players in this years draft. He spent six years in college, including one year at UNC Charlotte, before finishing his career with the Gamecocks. He accumulated 82 tackles last season, with three forced fumbles. Knight is interesting because he is mocked in vastly different spots, depending on the outlet,thanks to his production and promise, but his average landing spot is in the third round.

Kobe KingPenn State

King spent four years in Happy Valley, but a redshirt season means he's entering the league as a junior. His 2024 season saw the linebacker pick up 97 total tackles, 3.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. He could be a later round guy with the ceiling and right fit with a certain team to make him a day two prospect. King's best usage in college came against the run, an area the Panthers are looking to shore up, andNFL Network's Lance Zeirlan notedKing is "best in the confines of the box, where he can play downhill and utilize his physicality."

Jack KiserNotre Dame

An early Day 3 prospect, Kiser is an old-school linebacker that can play in new age defensive schemes. He finished with 90 tackles, two forced fumbles and recoveries, as well as 2.0 sacks last season, as the Fighting Irish made it to the National Championship. He's beyond experienced, the team captain and finalist for the William V. Campbell and Wuerffel Trophies set a Notre Dame school record for most games played at 70.

Smael Mondon Jr. Georgia

Mondon is fast and long, with a litheness that makes him engaging to watch. It also makes him slightly undersized however, and likely not an immediate contributor. A foot injury kept him a step slow in 2024, but he still finished with 57 tackles and 3.0 sacks. His speed and the Georgia pedigree will make him enticing.

Jay HigginsIowa

Higgins might not jump off the measurement sheet, at 6-0, 224 pounds, a large part of the reason he's projected to be a late Day 3 guy. But all he's done the past two seasons is make tackles. At the end of the 2023 season, he had 171 tackles, which led all of the FBS. He followed that up in 2024 with a mere 124 tackles, 12th in FBS, and earning him First-team Associated Press All-American honors. He was also named the Big Ten linebacker of the year. He also had four interceptions from the middle linebacker position.

Shemar JamesFlorida

A thumping linebacker who spent three years with the Gators, James finished with 64 tackles, 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble. He's still young and raw, plus a little undersized, but with the potential to develop as a solid rotational player. He has the experience already as a four-core special teamer, which could earn him a spot on a roster as a rookie.