Panthers Make Big Mistake in Latest 2025 Mock Draft

The Carolina Panthers are preparing for the 2025 offseason. In their first season under Dave Canales, the Panthers finished with a 5-12 record. That was a three-win improvement from the year before. The biggest thing that came away from the end of the season was the solid play of quarterback Bryce Young.

He looks the part of a franchise QB and it's about building a good team around him. The Panthers currently have nine draft selections in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Even though the draft is a couple of months away, mock drafts have started rolling out. Kyle Crabbs of the 33rd Team released a mock as we enter Divisional Round weekend.

In that mock, he has the Panthers selecting Georgia safety Malaki Starks. He is one of the best defenders in this draft. Starks is a strong run defender and thrives when he gets downhill. He has great ball skills and plays well in coverage.

Across 43 college games, Starks racked up 197 total tackles, 17 pass deflections, six TFLs, and six interceptions. He finds his way to the ball and will likely be a good player in this league. Despite that, he would be the wrong pick for the Panthers.

Carolina shouldn't use a top-10 pick on safety when they need more difference-makers along the defensive line and at WR.

In this mock, Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan was still on the board. He would be the more logical selection. McMillan stands at 6-foot-5, using that frame to his advantage. The Hawaii native can do damage after the catch and owns an outstanding catch radius.

Over 37 collegiate games, McMillan had 213 receptions for 3,423 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns. Panthers fans would certainly want him to land with them over Starks.

With a young QB under center, surrounding him with good offensive talent is the route to go. Carolina would be wise to follow that approach instead of using their first-round pick on a safety.

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