By Thomas Bray
April 22, 2025
Photo: Ben Liebenberg / AP
Dan Morgan’s approach to rebuilding the Carolina Panthers has been methodical. Last offseason, in his first year as general manager, he prioritized the offensive line, determined to give rookie quarterback Bryce Young better protection. He spent big on guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt, looking to stabilize a unit that had struggled in Young’s rookie season. While the offensive line saw improvement, the team’s defense completely collapsed.
The 2024-25 Panthers weren’t just underwhelming on defense — they were historically inept.
They allowed a league-record 534 points, surpassing the previous mark set by the 1981 Baltimore Colts. Carolina gave up 30 or more points in 10 games, including three where they surrendered over 40. The run defense was virtually nonexistent, allowing a staggering 3,057 yards and 24 touchdowns, while opposing quarterbacks shredded the secondary for 4,043 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Everyone knew fixing the defense would be the top priority, and Morgan’s vision seemingly included pairing star defensive tackle Derrick Brown with Milton Williams — a disruptive interior lineman who could have helped transform the tone up front. For a moment, it looked like Carolina had landed Williams, but just as quickly as the excitement built, it faded. Williams signed with the Patriots, leaving Carolina scrambling for a backup plan. But the team didn’t hesitate, pivoting quickly to fill the gaps.
First came Tershawn Wharton, a versatile defensive lineman from Kansas City, who played alongside Chris Jones and recorded 6.5 sacks last season. Undrafted out of Division II Missouri S&T, Wharton worked his way from obscurity to earning two Super Bowl rings — and now a $15 million-per-year contract. In Carolina, he’ll be counted on to bring much-needed interior pressure alongside Derrick Brown.
Next came Bobby Brown III, a 6-foot-4, 325-pound nose tackle from the Rams, whose primary job will be to clog the middle and make opponents fight for every yard. The Panthers were routinely bullied at the line of scrimmage last season, surrendering 5.2 yards per carry, but Brown is determined to change that.
To boost the edge, the Panthers added Patrick Jones II, a breakout pash-rushing candidate from Minnesota who logged seven sacks, 30 pressures and 39 tackles in 2024. At 26, Jones brings strength (a 675-pound squat) and a relentless motor to a defense still looking to replace Brian Burns.
Carolina also addressed the secondary by adding Tre’von Moehrig from the Raiders. A hybrid safety who thrives near the line of scrimmage, Moehrig recorded 104 tackles and an 87.5 PFF run defense grade last season — seventh-best among 171 qualifying safeties. At 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, Moehrig brings physicality, tackling ability and positional flexibility.
On offense, Morgan added Rico Dowdle, an Asheville native and South Carolina product, to complement Chuba Hubbard. Dowdle rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2024 and provides value as a sure-handed receiver out of the backfield. Carolina also retained veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, ensuring stability behind Bryce Young as he enters his third year.
Missing on Williams was a setback, but Morgan’s message is clear: The 2025 Panthers aren’t going to be pushed around anymore — especially not in the trenches.
With the No. 8 overall pick and multiple Day 2-3 selections, Morgan and his staff have a golden opportunity to continue reinforcing the defensive rebuild while also adding much-needed offensive help. Don’t rule out a potential trade-down either — if the right offer comes along. Sliding back could allow Carolina to stockpile even more assets while still landing a top-tier prospect.
Round 1 – Pick 8: Jalon Walker (LB/Edge) Georgia
Carolina’s defense ranked dead last in pressure rate and needed a dynamic playmaker. Enter Jalon Walker. The Georgia standout tallied 6.5 sacks and 34 pressures in 2024. His hybrid ability to play off-ball or rush the passer fits Ejiro Evero’s 3-4 scheme, much like Frankie Luvu did before his departure. Walker’s sideline-to-sideline speed, football IQ, and versatility make him an instant difference-maker.
Round 2 – Pick 57: Xavier Watts (Safety) Notre Dame
The Panthers were torched through the air in 2024 and are in need of a true ballhawk. Watts, the 2023 Bronko Nagurski winner, posted six interceptions, 53 solo tackles and 10 pass breakups last season. His PFF coverage grade (89.7) ranks among the nation’s best, and his 4.56 40-yard dash speed and 13 career picks make him the ideal center-field safety to pair with Moehrig’s box skills. Watts helps disguise coverages and brings takeaway potential (Carolina had just nine interceptions in 2024). He’s a fluid fit in Evero’s scheme, capable of playing deep, in the nickel or in two-high coverage.
Round 3 – Pick 74: Isaiah Bond (WR) Texas
Bryce Young needs more explosive weapons, and Bond gives him one. A 4.39 speedster with elite acceleration and YAC ability, Bond posted 540 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. His short-area quickness makes him a natural slot weapon and an ideal complement to Xavier Legette and Adam Thielen. Bond’s speed will force defenses to play honest and create separation windows for Young.
Round 4 – Pick 111: Tory Horton (WR) Colorado State
Horton was limited in 2024 due to injury but showed elite production in 2022-23 (2,267 yards, 16 touchdowns). He clocked a 4.41 40-yard dash at the combine and is one of the most polished route runners in the class. His strong hands (two drops on 96 targets in 2023) and experience as a returner (three career touchdowns) add significant value. Horton has the potential to be a reliable third-down target for Young with the versatility to line up anywhere.
Round 4 – Pick 114: Elijah Roberts (EDGE) SMU
Roberts may not be a household name, but his upside is undeniable. At 6-foot-3, 285 pounds, the former Miami transfer emerged as a disruptive force at SMU in 2024, racking up 7.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. His 91.1 PFF grade underscores his ability to win with both quickness and leverage — traits that align well with Ejiro Evero’s hybrid fronts. Roberts brings a relentless motor and flexibility to a defensive line in need of depth.
Dan Morgan’s offseason began with disappointment (missing out on Milton Williams) but could end with a flurry of calculated moves to reshape the league’s worst defense. From Wharton and Moehrig to Walker and Watts, the Panthers could add speed, power, and leadership on all three levels by the end of the draft.
The defense will hopefully be ready to punch back in 2025. The draft won’t fix everything, but the Panthers appear poised to build a foundation that’s tough, adaptable, and capable of keeping Bryce Young in games, building on his momentum from the second half of last season.
The 2025 NFL Draft will air live on NFL Network, ESPN, and ESPN2 on Thursday, April 24 at 8 p.m. from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Rounds 2-3 will air on Friday starting at 7 p.m., and Saturday’s coverage of Rounds 4-7 will begin at 12 p.m.
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