Carolina Panthers NFL Draft Tracker: Every Pick, Trade, and Instant Grade

Every year, the Carolina Panthers have the chance to better themselves in the NFL draft. It's a big part of how a rebuilding team like the Panthers has been able to move from two to five to eight wins in the last three years.

This year, the Panthers made the following picks (will be updated as draft continues):

Panthers Picks By Round

1 (19): The Panthers own the 19th overall pick, and they selected Monroe Freeling, the tackle from Georgia. We're not at all thrilled with this selection over Makai Lemon and Dillon Thieneman, but it's far from the worst move. It's not even the worst move made in the 18-19 range.

2 (49): The Panthers owned the 51st overall pick but traded up to 49 for IDL Lee Hunter from Texas Tech. Once again, they passed on quite a few pass-catchers, but the defensive front needed a body after losing A'Shawn Robinson. It's a bold swing, but it's not a bad pick.

3 (83): The Panthers owned the 83rd overall pick and used it to pick Tennessee wide receiver Chris Brazzell II. We love the idea of adding a pass-catcher for Bryce Young, but it's unfortunate they picked yet another big-bodied player when they have so many.

4 (129): The Panthers had the 119th overall pick, but they traded down to the 124th, adding the 166th pick. They also parted with the 196th. Then, the Panthers traded the 124th pick to move down to 129 and added the 144th pick, also giving up the 166th pick. Then, they picked Will Lee, cornerback out of Texas A&M. This is a solid outcome, even if some better prospects went ignored.

5 (144): The Panthers owned the 159th overall pick via the Vikings, but traded it for the 196th pick and 49th. Then, they traded the 196th pick (mentioned above) and got the 166th. With the 144th, the Panthers got insane value for Sam Hecht, ESPN's 80th-best prospect.

5 (151): The Panthers owned the 158th overall pick, trading it and the 200th for picks 151 and 227, a pick in the seventh round, which they previously had none. With the 151st pick, the Panthers again passed on Jalen Kilgore, which is fine because they still got Zakee Wheatley.

7 (227): The Panthers owned the 200th overall pick, but moved around to get the 227th pick. The Panthers then used the pick on Jackson Kuwatch, a linebacker. We get the need, but he's not a very good prospect. There were some interesting players worth taking there.

Positions of Need

Despite being incredibly active and aggressive in NFL free agency, the Panthers still have needs. In order from most pressing to least, here they are:

1. Wide receiver
2. Safety
3. Tight end
4. Linebacker
5. Edge rusher
6. Tackle
7. Interior offensive line (center mainly)
8. Cornerback (slot preferably)

The Panthers can't address them all, but we would suggest tackling them roughly in that order. Wide receiver is the most pressing need because the Panthers' offense needs them more than tight ends, and beyond Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, it's pretty dismal.

The Panthers can't really afford to trot Nick Scott out there for another year in a row and expect him to perform well, so a safety is pretty important. Carolina also needs a linebacker opposite Devin Lloyd, and another edge rusher is never a bad idea.

After that, the Panthers have needs that will grow over time but are not dire right now. Eventually, they'll need a tackle to replace Rasheed Walker and Ikem Ekwonu, who hit free agency in 2027. The same goes for a center behind Luke Fortner or guards behind Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt (in 2028).

Finally, Mike Jackson is a free agent at season's end, and the depth at corner is thin. Plus, the Panthers could definitely stand to upgrade the slot corner spot, so that could be something they do in the draft.

Draft Time

The NFL draft is set to take place at 8 pm ET on Thursday evening. On Friday, rounds two and three will commence at 7 pm ET. Then, the final four rounds will take place beginning on Saturday at noon ET. Then, UDFAs will be signed.

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