The 2025 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24, and the Carolina Panthers own the eighth overall pick.
It’s been a strange two years for Carolina after trading up to select Bryce Young. The first year was an abject disaster, recording a 2-15 record and forking over a top draft pick to the Chicago Bears. Things are looking up under Dave Canales, however. The 5-12 record is a marked improvement, and Bryce looked like the quarterback that was promised in the second half of the year. The question becomes, can they keep building on momentum?
Quarterback, for better or worse, is written in pen. The offensive line and running back groups are strong. The problems lie just about everywhere else. Let’s see how the eighth overall pick can help to fix things in Carolina.
Trade Odds: Low
Much like the Jaguars at No. 5, there’s not much incentive for the Panthers to move up or down. They have surplus draft picks, many areas of need, and no need to trade up for a quarterback.
Unless Shedeur Sanders falls past the Jets at No. 7 and someone wants to trade up, I’d bank on Carolina staying put. And after the 2023 debacle, you can put Carolina trading up out of your mind.
The Pick: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Campbell has only the fifth-highest odds to be selected at No. 8 at +1400. It’s a strange position for Carolina here. Their offensive line is strong, and unless Tetairoa McMillan falls, there’s no real fit for an offensive selection here. Defense feels like the obvious move, and the needs are everywhere. The secondary and pass rush need a makeover, as they have no true studs outside of Derrick Brown.
This is where Campbell comes in. His biggest crime in this draft is not playing a traditionally valued position as an off-ball linebacker. But in Carolina, where they run a 3-4 system and need linebackers, he brings immense value. Jihaad is more than capable of dropping into coverage, stopping the run, and rushing the passer, depending on the situation
Yes, they’ll still need a pass rush. Yes, the secondary needs work. Campbell is a special talent who can contribute at a high level in any situation. That’s talent you don’t pass up.
