It’s never too early for a simulation, right? RIGHT . . . ?
Well, even though we are currently settled into the bye week for the Carolina Pantherslet’s choose not to sit idly by. Instead, let’s keep these wheels in motion and think of spring, where the 2025 NFL Draft wait.
Here’s a mini simulation of three rounds/two days on our weekend off. . .
First round (ninth overall): Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Without the perennially pass-starved Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers would currently rank last in the NFL in sacks. But we don’t even need numbers to tell us that this defense is seriously lacking in firepower on the perimeter: just look at the depth chart.
Carter may be the best defender in this class, at least for now. Given his versatility, extreme athleticism, school number and uniform, this 6-foot-3, 252-pound powerhouse has drawn some comparisons to Dallas Cowboys All-Pro Micah Parsons.
Second round (48th overall): Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina
We’re doubling down. (Yes, it’s that bad.)
Kennard is putting up a lot of production (9.5 sacks) and a lot of good tape in his fifth year at the college level. He’ll be 23 when he reaches the pros, so he can still take some time to learn behind fellow Gamecocks Jadeveon Clowney and DJ Wonnum, both free agents after the 2025 campaign.
Third round (73rd overall): Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina
In the ongoing quest to field a complete Gamecocks defense, Emmanwori joins his brothers at South Carolina and gives the Panthers a much-needed playmaker in the secondary. The 6-foot-3, 227-pounder has accumulated an SEC-leading four interceptions in 2024.
Additionally, five Panthers safeties, including their two starters, Xavier Woods and Jordan Fuller, are set to become free agents at the end of the season.
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This article was originally published on Panthers Wire: Panthers 2025 Mock Draft (mini): Bye Week Edition
