The Panthers’ Biggest Unmet Needs After the 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, with each team securing players to help build for the future. For the Carolina Panthers, the draft served as another key moment in their journey to rebuild and compete in a tough NFC South. Despite their efforts, the Panthers’ biggest unmet needs remain, and those gaps will need to be addressed in future free-agent signings, trades, or through development of current players.
In this article, we will examine the Carolina Panthers’ most significant roster holes as they move forward after the 2025 draft. We will take a closer look at various positions where the team is still lacking depth or star power, identify key areas where they are likely to struggle, and discuss how they can address those issues.
. Quarterback: The Cornerstone of the Future
No position is more crucial than quarterback in the NFL. The Panthers have struggled at the quarterback position for several seasons, and while they have made strides to address the issue, it remains a major unmet need for the team. Heading into the 2025 season, the Panthers are still looking for stability under center.
What Happened in the 2025 Draft?
The Panthers selected a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, but it’s unclear whether the incoming rookie will immediately take over as the starting quarterback or spend time developing. After parting ways with former QB Sam Darnold and failing to find long-term stability, the Panthers entered the draft hoping to solidify the position. However, it’s important to recognize that even with the draft pick, it might take time for this young QB to develop into a true franchise leader.
Unmet Need:
The Panthers still need a proven, top-tier quarterback to build around. While the draft pick offers hope, there are concerns over whether the team can truly compete with a rookie quarterback or if they will need to continue searching for veteran leadership at the position. Even with promising talent, rookie quarterbacks often take time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, and unless they have elite supporting casts, they can struggle early on.
What’s Next?
The Panthers will need to keep evaluating their quarterback situation throughout the 2025 season. If the rookie struggles or if he’s not ready to lead the offense, the team might need to seek veteran help via trade or free agency to provide support until their quarterback of the future is ready.
2. Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback
A major aspect of building a successful offense is having a solid offensive line. Unfortunately for the Panthers, their offensive line has been inconsistent over the years, and even after the 2025 draft, they still face significant challenges in this area.
What Happened in the 2025 Draft?
The Panthers used one of their key draft picks to address offensive line issues, but the depth and overall talent still aren’t where they need to be to compete against elite defensive lines in the NFC. While the addition of some new linemen is a step in the right direction, the team will still have to rely on developing these players and continuing to scout the free-agent market for experienced help.
Unmet Need:
The biggest area of concern is the lack of a consistent, dominant offensive line. The Panthers need better protection for their quarterback, especially if they are relying on a rookie signal-caller. A quarterback can’t succeed if they’re constantly under pressure, and the Panthers’ offensive line has been known to allow too much pressure on their QBs. They need more stability at tackle and guard positions.
What’s Next?
If the Panthers’ draft selections don’t immediately make an impact, they may need to pursue additional help in the form of veteran offensive linemen in free agency or look for trades to fill gaps. Developing a reliable group of offensive linemen is essential for the success of their offense moving forward.
3. Wide Receiver: A Playmaker to Complement the Offense
The wide receiver group for the Panthers has been another source of frustration in recent years. While the team has some promising players, they still lack the true star talent and consistency needed to win at the highest level.
What Happened in the 2025 Draft?
The Panthers did make a selection in the wide receiver department during the draft, but it remains to be seen if this rookie can become a true No. 1 target. While they added some depth, the Panthers didn’t add a wide receiver that can consistently take over a game or provide the necessary separation from defenders that a franchise quarterback needs.
Unmet Need:
The Panthers’ wide receiver room lacks a proven No. 1 option who can stretch the field, make contested catches, and open up opportunities for other players. With the uncertainty at quarterback, a dynamic wide receiver is essential for helping develop offensive chemistry. Whether it’s a speedy deep threat, a precise route runner, or a red zone specialist, the Panthers need someone who can help elevate the passing attack.
What’s Next?
The Panthers should continue to monitor the wide receiver market, keeping an eye on potential trade opportunities or free-agent signings to give their quarterback a more reliable and explosive receiving corps. Additionally, their rookies or young players will need to show development to become viable options.
4. Defensive Line: Pressure and Pass Rush
The Panthers have made strides in their defensive line over the past few seasons, but they still have work to do to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt plays in the backfield. With a solid defensive front, the Panthers can continue to build one of the top defenses in the league, but they need more talent and depth in this area.
What Happened in the 2025 Draft?
While the Panthers selected some defensive linemen during the draft, they didn’t necessarily address the most critical need: elite pass rushers. The Panthers’ defensive line has been solid in terms of run-stopping, but they still lack a true edge rusher who can consistently pressure the quarterback on passing downs.
Unmet Need:
The Panthers need more help on the edge and on the interior defensive line to generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks. Even with some solid defensive linemen, the Panthers’ lack of an elite pass rusher remains a weakness that could hurt their defense, especially against high-powered passing offenses.
What’s Next?
The team might need to focus on acquiring an elite pass rusher via trade or free agency if they are to make a leap to becoming a top-tier defensive unit. They will also need to continue developing their young talent along the defensive line to ensure they can contribute to the pass rush in the future.
5. Linebacker: Leadership and Coverage
While the Panthers have a strong linebacker group overall, they are still in need of a player who can serve as a true leader in the middle of their defense. A linebacker who can both read plays and provide leadership on the field is a necessity for a defense looking to compete for championships.
What Happened in the 2025 Draft?
The Panthers addressed some depth issues at linebacker during the 2025 NFL Draft, but they didn’t add a superstar talent that would immediately change the dynamic of the defense. The team’s linebackers are solid, but they still lack that one special player who can take control and consistently make plays in both run support and coverage.
Unmet Need:
Carolina needs a linebacker who can serve as both a leader and a playmaker. Whether it’s a player who excels in coverage, can get to the quarterback, or is able to read offenses at a high level, the Panthers’ linebacking corps could use a significant boost.
What’s Next?
The Panthers should continue to develop their current linebacker group, but they may need to consider adding an elite coverage linebacker, either via trade or free agency, to round out their defense. This could be a key move if the team is looking to compete in the NFC playoffs.
The 2025 NFL Draft has set the stage for the Carolina Panthers to build for the future, but there are still several unmet needs that will define their success moving forward. At the top of the list are quarterback, offensive line, wide receiver, defensive line, and linebacker — all critical areas where the team must improve to contend in the NFC.
While the Panthers have taken steps toward improving their roster, they will need to continue investing in these positions and be proactive in seeking solutions. Whether through trades, free-agent acquisitions, or player development, the Panthers’ ability to address these gaps will determine how quickly they can become a competitive force in the league.
In the coming seasons, how the Panthers address these needs will likely define their trajectory. Fans should be cautiously optimistic, but the front office and coaching staff must continue to find ways to make the necessary moves to ensure success in the years to come.