The Carolina Panthers’ 2025 NFL Draft and Their Position in the Power Rankings
After the 2025 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers find themselves still positioned in the lower half of the NFL power rankings. Despite making some strategic moves, both in free agency and the draft, the Panthers remain in a difficult spot. This article delves into the reasons why the Panthers are still in the bottom half of the power rankings and what they need to do to improve their standing.
A Promising Draft, But No Instant Impact
The 2025 draft was met with optimism from many analysts and fans alike. The Panthers added key players to help their team’s immediate and future prospects. The selection of wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at #8 overall was particularly exciting, as he is considered one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the draft class. Additionally, the Panthers bolstered their defense by drafting edge rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, as well as making depth additions like safety Lathan Ransom and defensive tackle Cam Jackson.
However, despite the promising draft class, the Panthers’ success is far from guaranteed. Many analysts were cautious about the team’s prospects, noting that while the draft added talent, the roster still has glaring weaknesses that will take time to address. The Panthers’ long-term outlook may be bright, but 2025 may still be a year of transition.
Offseason Moves: Building Around Bryce Young
One of the primary focuses for the Panthers in the 2025 offseason was building around their young quarterback, Bryce Young. The Panthers made a concerted effort to improve their offensive line, bringing in Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, two players with experience and proven ability to protect a quarterback. Additionally, they added wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette to give Young more weapons in the passing game.
Despite these moves, the Panthers are still facing significant questions about their offense. While the offensive line is improved, there is still work to be done, particularly in terms of consistency and depth. For Bryce Young to develop into a top-tier quarterback, the team will need to ensure that he has a stable offensive line and a receiving corps capable of making plays.
On defense, the Panthers also made significant strides, bringing in players like Tre’von Moehrig and Tershawn Wharton to add depth. However, there are still lingering concerns about the defense, particularly the pass rush. While the additions made during the draft and free agency are solid, they may not be enough to elevate the defense to an elite level in 2025.
Still in the Bottom Half: Why the Panthers Aren’t Higher in Power Rankings
Despite the optimism surrounding their draft and offseason moves, the Panthers are still in the bottom half of the NFL power rankings. The reasons for this are multifaceted.
1. Inconsistent Play on Defense
One of the biggest issues for the Panthers in recent years has been their defense. While there have been some solid individual performances, the team as a whole has struggled with consistency. Last season, the Panthers had one of the worst defenses in the league, and although they made some solid moves to address this, it remains to be seen whether the defense can make significant improvements.
The Panthers’ defense, especially the pass rush, remains a question mark. While players like Scourton and Umanmielen are expected to make an impact, it’s unclear how quickly they will adjust to the NFL level. Until the Panthers can consistently pressure the quarterback and stop the run, they will struggle to rise up the rankings.
2. Offensive Line Depth
The offensive line improvements were a positive sign for the Panthers, but they still face questions about depth. While Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis will provide some much-needed stability, the unit as a whole needs to gel quickly. If injuries or underperformance affect any key offensive linemen, the Panthers could quickly find themselves back in a situation where Bryce Young is under constant pressure.
3. Lack of Proven Talent at Key Positions
While the Panthers have made a lot of moves in the offseason, they still lack proven talent at many key positions. Bryce Young is still a young quarterback who has shown flashes of potential but remains an unknown in terms of consistent performance at the NFL level. His development will be crucial, but until he proves himself on the field, the Panthers will remain in a holding pattern.
Similarly, while players like McMillan and Legette are exciting prospects, they are rookies and have yet to prove themselves in the NFL. The team still relies heavily on the development of younger players, and that brings a level of uncertainty that lowers their ranking.
4. Rebuilding Years Ahead
The Panthers are in a rebuilding phase, and while they have taken positive steps in their development, it may still take time for them to reach the upper half of the league. The team’s position in the rankings reflects the reality that they are in a growth period, and it will take time for everything to fall into place. While the potential is there, the team is not quite ready to compete for a playoff spot, much less a championship.
What’s Next for the Panthers?
For the Panthers to rise in the rankings, they will need to address their remaining weaknesses and see some of their younger players develop into key contributors.
- Quarterback Development: Bryce Young’s development will be the key to the Panthers’ success. If he can take the next step in his development and prove that he can consistently perform at a high level, the Panthers’ offense will be much more effective.
- Defensive Improvements: The Panthers need their young pass rushers to make an immediate impact. If they can generate pressure and create turnovers, the defense will be much stronger.
- Consistency on Offense: The offensive line needs to continue to improve, and the receiving corps must be more reliable. The Panthers can’t afford to have any weak links in the chain, especially with a young quarterback under center.
- Patience and Long-Term Planning: Ultimately, the Panthers need to focus on their long-term vision. Even if the 2025 season is a struggle, it is important for the team to continue building for the future, developing young players, and creating a sustainable culture of winning.
A Team in Transition
The Panthers are still in the bottom half of the power rankings for a reason. Despite a solid draft and a few key acquisitions, they remain a team in transition. Their young quarterback, lack of proven talent at key positions, and inconsistent defense all contribute to their current standing. However, the future looks promising. With Bryce Young at the helm and a solid group of rookies and veterans, the Panthers could very well rise up the rankings in the coming seasons.
For now, the team remains in a rebuilding phase, and their position in the power rankings reflects that. However, with continued development and some key performances from their young players, the Panthers could make significant strides in 2025 and beyond. It will take time, but the foundation has been laid for future success.
