The Carolina Panthers entered the 2025 NFL draft with several needs on the defensive side of the ball. Even so, they elected to go with a wide receiver at No. 8, taking Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan. Rather than land a premium player to improve their defense, Carolina decided it was best to get a legit No. 1 wide receiver for quarterback Bryce Young.

On paper, the Carolina Panthers look like one of the NFL's most improved teams after a busy offseason with key additions from the draft and free agency. The revamped roster suggests more competitiveness for the 2025 season.

Louis Riddick calls Jimmy Horn Jr. one of his favorite under-the-radar draft picks—and Carolina may need him sooner than expected.

The Carolina Panthers happily selected Tetairoa McMillan with the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Who else did they like?

The Panthers are also represented on Miller's rankings by fourth-round safety Lathan Ransom (No. 47), third-round edge rusher Princely Umanmielen (No. 74) and fourth-round running back Trevor Etienne (No. 93).

The Carolina Panthers placed Jonathon Brooks on the PUP list, meaning he will miss the 2025 season with his ACL injury.

NFL Draft in the books, the grades have been coming at a rapid pace. One of the trusted sources in the process is ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. who gave

Starting quarterback Bryce Young is still getting disrespected in most QB power rankings despite his late-season surge that should at least put him in the top 15 starters around the league. Some analysts also think that the Panthers' defense is still the worst in the NFL right now despite landing serious upgrades in free agency and the draft.