The Carolina Panthers came away from April with one of the most heralded draft classes of 2025. Headlined by wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and pass rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, the group has received quite a bit of approval from experts and fans alike.
But not all needs were met during that weekend, leaving uncertainty in a few areas on the depth chart.
So, let’s try to squash some of the skepticism you may have in this week’s mailbag!
Note: Questions have been edited for clarity.
Linebacker concerns and Trevin Wallace
Should there be any concerns about the current LB corps? Would you view Trevin Wallace as one of the X-factors for this defense? – @getreadybuddy
The concerns around the Panthers linebacker room are valid, and it was surprising to see them not address the position in the draft (more on that later). For now, they have a pretty average group—with Wallace, Josey Jewell, Christian Rozeboom, and Claudin Cherelus as their top four off-ball linebackers.
Carolina seems to be high on Wallace, and rightfully so. While he does have to learn how to play more off of his instincts, he’s a terrific athlete who can fly downhill to the ball carrier and flash adequate coverage prowess.
I think it’s fair to view Wallace as a potential X-factor given his ability and room for growth. If the 2024 third-round pick becomes an adequate starter this season, that’s a good sign for an improved Panthers defense.
The approach at linebacker
Why didn’t the Panthers take an LB in the draft, and how are they going to attack depth at the position now? – @LordVonZahrovic
This year’s draft didn’t present the Panthers with a deep group at the position. Instead, they spent their top resources on addressing two major areas of need—wide receiver and edge rusher.
If there were more worthwhile prospects outside of like Jihaad Campbell and Carson Schwesinger in this class, then the team would’ve likely pursued the position. But it seems like general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales like the current standing of their front seven.
I could see the Panthers acquiring another linebacker through a trade or free agency. For now, like they did last season, the team will have a depth issue in the middle of their defense.
Playing Tre’Von Moehrig and Lathan Ransom
How similar are the roles that Ransom played at Ohio State versus what Moehrig played/will play? Which one will end up being the guy who gets deep coverage plays? I think it’s a sneaky part of Ransom’s game. Obviously, he was used more in the box because of Caleb Downs. – Sean D.
I think there are some definite similarities between Moehrig and Ransom. Both can defend the run considerably well and are underrated in coverage.
Remember, Moehrig was well-regarded as a standout single-high defender out of Texas Christian University a few years ago. He was forced to play closer to the line of scrimmage, particularly this past season, due to talent inadequacies on the Las Vegas Raiders defense.
I would guess here, in Carolina, that Moehrig takes the single-high role in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s Cover 3 alignment. Both players are interchangeable, but I would like to see them add another safety—which brings up the next question . . .
Signing Julian Blackmon?
Do you think the Panthers are trying to sign Julian Blackmon or any other available free safety? – @OSUPanther89
The Panthers brought Blackmon in for a visit a little over a month ago, showing that there is at least some degree of interest. But since we have about three months until the start of training camp, there might be no rush for Carolina or Blackmon—who likely has a market of suitors out there.
If eventually signed, he could add a true center-field element to Carolina’s secondary. Blackmon would allow Evero to implement more coverage disguises, three-safety usages and a higher rate of man coverage.
However, the team seems prepared to move forward with Moehrig and Ransom as their starting safeties heading into camp.
Mitchell Evans, future No. 1 tight end?
Do you see Mitchell Evans becoming our TE1? The biased Notre Dame fan in me wants to say yes, but I want to hear a neutral perspective. – Jay M
The Panthers drafted Evans in the fifth round of the draft, giving the team a potential future starter and go-to target in the passing game. I could see a path where Evans emerges as Carolina’s top player at the position, but he will need time—as the tight end spot is one of the most difficult to transition into.
Would it surprise me in two to three years if Evans is one of quarterback Bryce Young’s top targets? No, but I wouldn’t bank on it with another young tight end on the roster in Ja’Tavion Sanders. Plus, fifth-year veteran Tommy Tremble will likely get the starting nod this season, and could finally see more production.
Undrafted free agents who can make the roster
Which UDFAs are most likely to make the 53-man roster? – @JohnGMcMurray
In the latest 53-man roster projections, I had kicker Ryan Fitzgerald and offensive lineman Luke Kandra as the only two to make it. However, the Panthers reportedly signed former Miami wideout Jacolby George to a considerably hefty contract for an undrafted free agent, which may indicate how serious they are about his roster chances.
Other players who have a relatively decent chance to make the roster include Central Florida wide receiver Kobe Hudson, South Carolina linebacker Bam Martin-Scott and Fresno State linebacker Tuasivi Nomura.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers Wire mailbag: What fans are asking after the 2025 NFL draft
The Carolina Panthers came away from April with one of the most heralded draft classes of 2025. Headlined by wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan and pass rushers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen, the group has received quite a bit of approval from experts and fans alike.
But not all needs were met during that weekend, leaving uncertainty in a few areas on the depth chart.
So, let’s try to squash some of the skepticism you may have in this week’s mailbag!
Note: Questions have been edited for clarity.
Linebacker concerns and Trevin Wallace
Should there be any concerns about the current LB corps? Would you view Trevin Wallace as one of the X-factors for this defense? – @getreadybuddy
The concerns around the Panthers linebacker room are valid, and it was surprising to see them not address the position in the draft (more on that later). For now, they have a pretty average group—with Wallace, Josey Jewell, Christian Rozeboom, and Claudin Cherelus as their top four off-ball linebackers.
Carolina seems to be high on Wallace, and rightfully so. While he does have to learn how to play more off of his instincts, he’s a terrific athlete who can fly downhill to the ball carrier and flash adequate coverage prowess.
I think it’s fair to view Wallace as a potential X-factor given his ability and room for growth. If the 2024 third-round pick becomes an adequate starter this season, that’s a good sign for an improved Panthers defense.
The approach at linebacker
Why didn’t the Panthers take an LB in the draft, and how are they going to attack depth at the position now? – @LordVonZahrovic
This year’s draft didn’t present the Panthers with a deep group at the position. Instead, they spent their top resources on addressing two major areas of need—wide receiver and edge rusher.
If there were more worthwhile prospects outside of like Jihaad Campbell and Carson Schwesinger in this class, then the team would’ve likely pursued the position. But it seems like general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales like the current standing of their front seven.
I could see the Panthers acquiring another linebacker through a trade or free agency. For now, like they did last season, the team will have a depth issue in the middle of their defense.
Playing Tre’Von Moehrig and Lathan Ransom
How similar are the roles that Ransom played at Ohio State versus what Moehrig played/will play? Which one will end up being the guy who gets deep coverage plays? I think it’s a sneaky part of Ransom’s game. Obviously, he was used more in the box because of Caleb Downs. – Sean D.
I think there are some definite similarities between Moehrig and Ransom. Both can defend the run considerably well and are underrated in coverage.
Remember, Moehrig was well-regarded as a standout single-high defender out of Texas Christian University a few years ago. He was forced to play closer to the line of scrimmage, particularly this past season, due to talent inadequacies on the Las Vegas Raiders defense.
I would guess here, in Carolina, that Moehrig takes the single-high role in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s Cover 3 alignment. Both players are interchangeable, but I would like to see them add another safety—which brings up the next question . . .
Signing Julian Blackmon?
Do you think the Panthers are trying to sign Julian Blackmon or any other available free safety? – @OSUPanther89
The Panthers brought Blackmon in for a visit a little over a month ago, showing that there is at least some degree of interest. But since we have about three months until the start of training camp, there might be no rush for Carolina or Blackmon—who likely has a market of suitors out there.
If eventually signed, he could add a true center-field element to Carolina’s secondary. Blackmon would allow Evero to implement more coverage disguises, three-safety usages and a higher rate of man coverage.
However, the team seems prepared to move forward with Moehrig and Ransom as their starting safeties heading into camp.
Mitchell Evans, future No. 1 tight end?
Do you see Mitchell Evans becoming our TE1? The biased Notre Dame fan in me wants to say yes, but I want to hear a neutral perspective. – Jay M
The Panthers drafted Evans in the fifth round of the draft, giving the team a potential future starter and go-to target in the passing game. I could see a path where Evans emerges as Carolina’s top player at the position, but he will need time—as the tight end spot is one of the most difficult to transition into.
Would it surprise me in two to three years if Evans is one of quarterback Bryce Young’s top targets? No, but I wouldn’t bank on it with another young tight end on the roster in Ja’Tavion Sanders. Plus, fifth-year veteran Tommy Tremble will likely get the starting nod this season, and could finally see more production.
Undrafted free agents who can make the roster
Which UDFAs are most likely to make the 53-man roster? – @JohnGMcMurray
In the latest 53-man roster projections, I had kicker Ryan Fitzgerald and offensive lineman Luke Kandra as the only two to make it. However, the Panthers reportedly signed former Miami wideout Jacolby George to a considerably hefty contract for an undrafted free agent, which may indicate how serious they are about his roster chances.
Other players who have a relatively decent chance to make the roster include Central Florida wide receiver Kobe Hudson, South Carolina linebacker Bam Martin-Scott and Fresno State linebacker Tuasivi Nomura.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.
This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers Wire mailbag: What fans are asking after the 2025 NFL draft
