Carolina Panthers Pick Penn State Edge in Early NFL Draft Prediction

Even with Bryce Young benched in favor of Andy Dalton, the Carolina Panthers are nowhere near becoming a serious contender in the league. However, if they manage to select Penn State Nittany Lions’ Abdul Carter, it could be the start of something good for the franchise.

The Panthers find themselves struggling as they sit near the bottom of the NFL power rankings. Despite some flashes of potential, their recent performances have highlighted significant issues. In their latest game, Andy Dalton stepped in for the injured Bryce Young, but he couldn’t elevate the team’s play. The defense has been a major concern, allowing opposing quarterbacks to thrive, as evidenced by Marcus Mariota’s impressive outing against them.

The Panthers’ offensive woes are compounded by inconsistent quarterback play and a lack of effective weapons. While Dalton has experience, he has not been able to consistently move the ball, leading to frustration among fans and coaches alike. This lack of offensive production is a significant barrier to their success this season.

As they look ahead, the Panthers face the challenge of rebuilding and finding a quarterback who can lead the team effectively. The current roster needs re-evaluation, especially in key positions to support a more robust offensive strategy. There’s hope that with strategic moves in the upcoming offseason, they can start to turn things around.

NFL Analysis Projects Carolina Panthers Select Abdul Carter in 2025 Draft

With the Panthers now playing well this season, they may end up with the second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, the front office should use that pick on Carter.

This roster is devoid of high-end talent, which means taking the best player available is a likely option. Bryce Young hasn’t worked out, with the 2023 top pick getting benched in his second season, so we can’t rule out a quarterback here. But at this point, I see building up other spots as the smarter move.

The Panthers are lacking impact players at edge rusher; they are getting pressure just 20% of the time (last in the NFL) and have a 31.7% pass rush win rate (28th). Carter would immediately be the team’s best young player there. After a slow start, the converted off-ball linebacker is steadily adjusting to his edge role, racking up four sacks and 18 pressures over six games.

In ESPN’s early 2025 NFL mock draft, the Carolina Panthers are projected to select a top pass rusher, addressing a critical need in their defense. With their struggles this season, bolstering the pass rush could significantly enhance their performance and provide much-needed support for their secondary.

This strategic move reflects the Panthers’ commitment to rebuilding and improving their defensive capabilities. As they look toward the future, acquiring a high-impact player could be a turning point in their quest for competitiveness, energizing both the team and its fanbase.

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