The Carolina Panthers and general manager Dan Morgan had themselves one heck of a performance in the 2025 NFL draft. Other organizations seem to think so, most league experts think so and many of their fans think so.
But even an ‘A+’ haul doesn’t necessarily cover everything.
While they walked away with a highly-coveted first-round wideout, a pair of promising pass rushers and a handful of potent depth pieces, the Panthers did not fill all of the holes on their roster. (No team did.)
So, as we continue to put this year’s selection process behind us, let’s review the team’s biggest remaining needs of the offseason . . .
Inside linebacker
As of now, this room is headed by projected starters Josey Jewell and Trevin Wallace and free-agent addition Christian Rozeboom. That’s, uh, not exactly ideal—especially for a unit that allowed a league-worst 179.8 rushing yards per game in 2024.
While the organization has stated that they have no plans to re-sign former team captain Shaq Thompson for an 11th season, perhaps that tune will change after passing up on Jalon Walker and the off-ball linebacker class.
Cornerback
The Panthers didn’t select a cornerback either.
While it seems as though they’re comfortable in running out Mike Jackson as a starter once again, the spot across from Pro Bowler Jaycee Horn can still be upgraded. The same can be said at nickel corner, where 2024 fifth-round pick Chau Smith-Wade sits atop the depth chart.
Free safety
Carolina drafted a rock-solid safety, Ohio State’s Lathan Ransom, in the fourth round on Saturday. Ransom, however, fits the mold of a strong safety—where he’ll likely serve as a backup to free-agent signee Tre’von Moehrig.
There are currently only two other safeties on the roster—Demani Richardson and Nick Scott. Although the former was relatively decent as a rookie, the Panthers should still find themselves a true ballhawking defensive back (we’re looking at you, Julian Blackmon) to start on the backend.
Kicker
According to Bob Ferrante of The Osceola, Florida State University’s Ryan Fitzgerald has agreed to sign with the Panthers after going undrafted. We’re still waiting for the official word on that.
But even when he’s under contract, the two kickers on Carolina’s roster will be an undrafted free agent and a 29-year-old journeyman who’s on a reserve/future deal.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
