Updated 2025 NFL Draft Selections for the Carolina Panthers Following Jonathan Mingo’s Move**
The **Carolina Panthers** have seen significant changes in their roster heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, with notable moves that could impact their selections for the upcoming draft. Among the most significant shifts is the trade involving wide receiver **Jonathan Mingo**, who has been moved to a new team as part of a larger restructuring effort for the Panthers. This move, along with others made by General Manager **Scott Fitterer** and Head Coach **Frank Reich**, has altered Carolina’s draft priorities and opened up opportunities to address other areas of need.
With Mingo, a highly touted second-round pick from the 2023 draft, now no longer part of the team, the Panthers are looking to bolster their wide receiver corps, along with other critical positions, in the 2025 NFL Draft. Here’s an in-depth look at how the Panthers’ draft selections are shaping up following Jonathan Mingo’s move, and what fans can expect from the upcoming draft.
### **Jonathan Mingo’s Trade: What It Means for the Panthers**
Jonathan Mingo’s departure comes after a season of growing expectations that ultimately didn’t materialize in terms of his performance and consistency. After being drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Mingo had a promising start but struggled with drops and miscommunications with the team’s quarterbacks. His trade was motivated in part by the Panthers’ need to evolve their receiving corps, especially following the addition of **Bryce Young** as their new franchise quarterback in 2023. Young’s development is paramount, and the team needed a reliable, dynamic receiving group to better support him.
Mingo’s move, while a difficult decision for the organization, frees up cap space and opens the door for the Panthers to explore a more balanced, effective receiving core in 2025. The trade likely also signals a shift toward finding a more consistent number-one target, whether through free agency or the draft, as the team looks to provide Young with better weapons to grow alongside him.
With Mingo no longer in the picture, the Panthers will have to reevaluate their wide receiver strategy and prioritize this position early in the 2025 draft. The loss of Mingo also means the Panthers may shift their focus to adding more explosive playmakers on offense and further solidifying their roster with key defensive picks.
### **The Panthers’ Current Draft Position: A Look at Their Needs**
As of the 2025 offseason, the Panthers hold a solid position in the draft, but the move involving Mingo has prompted the need to revise their strategy. Here’s a breakdown of the current draft positions and the areas where Carolina is likely to focus:
#### **Round 1 (Pick 5 overall)**
The Panthers are currently slated to pick **fifth overall** in the 2025 draft. This is a pivotal spot for a franchise that has its sights set on building a contender for the future. With the trade of Mingo and an increased focus on helping Bryce Young, the Panthers’ top priority will be selecting a wide receiver who can immediately contribute.
**Wide Receiver:** With the 2025 class boasting multiple top-tier receivers, the Panthers could target one of these young playmakers with their first-round pick. Players like **Marvin Harrison Jr.** from Ohio State and **Luther Burden III** from Missouri offer immense upside, with Harrison being widely considered the top receiver in the class. His ability to make contested catches, run precise routes, and serve as a reliable red-zone target makes him an ideal fit for Carolina’s offense. Burden, on the other hand, is a dynamic athlete who excels after the catch, providing Bryce Young with a receiver who can create explosive plays.
**Offensive Line:** While the Panthers have made improvements to their offensive line in recent seasons, the need for further depth remains. The interior offensive line, in particular, has been a weak point for the Panthers, and a player like **Joe Alt** from Notre Dame could be a prime target. Alt is a massive presence in the trenches, excelling as both a run blocker and pass protector, making him an appealing selection to protect Bryce Young long-term.
#### **Round 2 (Pick 37 overall)**
With the loss of Mingo, the Panthers could also look to address depth at wide receiver in the second round. Given their needs and the depth of the 2025 receiver class, there could be several value picks available at this spot.
**Wide Receiver Depth:** If Carolina addresses the top receiver need in Round 1, the second round could see them add a complementary piece. **Xavier Worthy** from Texas or **Keon Coleman** from Michigan State are two players who have the potential to be immediate contributors. Worthy brings deep-threat speed, while Coleman is a physical specimen who can win contested catches and provide a big presence in the red zone.
**Linebacker or Defensive Back:** The Panthers may also choose to target an impact player on defense in the second round. After trading away **Shaq Thompson** earlier in the offseason, linebacker depth could become a priority. **Jalen Graham** from Purdue has been rising up draft boards, and his versatility could make him an attractive target for the Panthers. A linebacker who can cover the field sideline-to-sideline and be a difference-maker in the run game is crucial to the Panthers’ defensive success.
Alternatively, they might look to bolster their secondary with a player like **Kool-Aid McKinstry** from Alabama, a dynamic cornerback who excels at high-pressure situations and has shown the ability to shut down elite wide receivers in college.
#### **Round 3-4 (Picks 70-102 overall)**
By the time the Panthers reach the third and fourth rounds, their focus will likely shift to bolstering both sides of the ball, looking for value picks who can make an impact as early as their rookie year. Several areas could be addressed here, with possible picks including:
**Edge Rusher/Defensive Line:** The Panthers need to bolster their pass rush, especially with a veteran presence like **Brian Burns** anchoring the line. In this range, they could target a pass rusher such as **Jared Verse** from Florida State, who has the burst and power to develop into a key part of their defensive scheme.
**Tight End:** Carolina also needs to address their tight end situation. **Jaheim Bell** from South Carolina is an exciting prospect who can both block and create mismatches in the passing game. His ability to line up both in-line and in the slot could provide an added weapon for Bryce Young in his second season.
#### **Round 5 and Beyond (Picks 130+)**
As the draft progresses, the Panthers will continue to look for value picks that fill out the roster and provide depth. Here, they might focus on:
– **Backup Quarterback**: Carolina could look to draft a developmental quarterback to sit behind Bryce Young and provide a safety net in case of injury. Someone like **J.J. McCarthy** from Michigan could be available at a value and offers upside in a backup role.
– **Defensive Line Depth**: A player like **Trey Benson** from Oregon could provide much-needed depth along the defensive line and possibly challenge for a starting role as a rookie.
### **Final Thoughts: The Road to Success in 2025**
Following the trade of Jonathan Mingo, the Carolina Panthers find themselves in a critical position to shape their future through the 2025 NFL Draft. With a young, developing quarterback in **Bryce Young**, their number-one priority will be to surround him with playmakers who can elevate his game and help the team reach its potential. Wide receiver and offensive line should be prioritized early, but with multiple selections in the middle and later rounds, the Panthers will also look to fortify their defense and create competition at other positions.
Given their draft capital and a talented front office, the Panthers are well-positioned to make a significant jump in 2025. By selecting the right players to address their needs, they could set themselves up for sustained success, ensuring that the team’s future is bright and full of promise as they continue to build around their young star quarterback.
