The Carolina Panthers continue to be in the predicament that many predicted in 2024: a massive hole at many positions on the defensive side of the ball, mainly the EDGE position. Given the 2025 NFL Draft has the Panthers with the 8th overall pick, the consensus has mostly been regarding EDGE Jalon Walker out of the University of Georgia, rather than trading back, or even scenarios where the Giants want out of #3 and Carolina decides to be their trade partner. The Panthers aren’t in a scenario where even an EDGE Abdul Carter, or CB/WR Travis Hunter can turn the tide, so instead I want to explore players that are outside of the first round, using average scores between three different big boards, from ESPN, CBS, PFF, and Daniel Jerimiah.
5: EDGE Jared Ivey
EDGE Jared Ivey is 23 years old, a senior at Ole Miss, and could be a part of the long-term solution for the Carolina Panthers. Giving more production than earlier EDGE rushers like Jalon Walker, Ivey gives the Panthers the ability to move back from 8, amassing picks, and taking him in the second round. Pairing him up with another hopeful Panther in DL Walter Nolen could be the pairing needed in the middle to assist Pro Bowl DE Derrick Brown. With pro comparisons like Denico Autry, Ivey can be poised for a season where he makes an immediate impact for a team that desperately needs the help.
- 2020 (Georgia Tech): Played in 9 games with 2 starts (8 tackles, TFL).
- 2021 (Georgia Tech): Started 11 games (32 tackles, 6 TFLs with 1.5 sacks, PBU, FF).
- 2022: Played in all 13 games with 7 starts (37 tackles, 4.5 TFLs with 3.5 sacks, FF).
- 2023: Led team with 11.5 TFLs. Tied for the team lead with 5.5 sacks. Peach Bowl Defensive MVP (5 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 FR). Played in all 13 games with 12 starts (46 tackles, PBU).
- 2024: Third-team All-SEC. Played in 12 games with 11 starts (42 tackles, 10.5 TFLs with 7 sacks, 3 PBUs, 2 FFs).
4: LB Carson Schwesinger
LB Carson Schwesinger is 22 years old, a junior at UCLA, and an overlooked linebacker who has picture-perfect size and speed while also showing out in college. If Carolina is looking to finally move on from LB Josey Jewell and more towards finding that Luke Kuechly to solidify the middle of the field, Carson is that guy. While the comparison to Luke may seem off, the immense production in 2024, coupled with his age (two days younger than LB Trevin Wallace), Carson can come onto the field as an LB1 comfortably, while also developing into the Pro Bowl Linebacker we know he will become.
- 2021: Redshirted as a walk-on.
- 2022: Played in all 13 games as a reserve and on special teams (15 tackles, 0.5 TFLs). Received a scholarship before the season.
- 2023: Played in all 13 games as a reserve and on special teams (12 tackles, 2 TFLs with 1 sack).
- 2024: First-team Associated Press All-American. First-team All-Big Ten Conference. Finalist for the Butkus Award (nation’s top LB). Led the FBS with 90 solo tackles, ranked third with 136 total tackles. Team captain. Played in all 12 games with 10 starts (8.5 TFLs with 4 sacks, 2 INTs, 3 PBUs, FF).
3: DT Aeneas Peebles
The 23-year-old Peebles is a senior defensive tackle out of Virginia Tech can supplement that DT role if the Carolina Panthers choose to pass on another higher-rated DT/DL like Walter Nolen out of Ole Miss. The ability to play in the ACC may not appeal to everyone, but the consistent play at places like the local team the Duke Blue Devils, and then parlaying that into the same success at Virginia Tech leads me to believe that Peebles can not only make it in the NFL, but at a high level. That’s also ignoring the fact that he will have help from Pro Bowler Derrick Brown as well, so the improvement can explode quickly. Carolina can do well with Peebles and Brown roaming the middle.
- 2020 (Duke): Played in 10 games as a reserve (3 tackles). Enrolled in January.
- 2021 (Duke): Played in all 12 games with 2 starts (26 tackles, 3 TFLs with 2 sacks).
- 2022 (Duke): Played in all 13 games as a reserve (15 tackles, 2 TFLs with 1.5 sacks, PBU, FF).
- 2023 (Duke): Third-team All-ACC. Led team with 9.5 TFLs. Tied for the team lead with 5 sacks. Played in all 13 games with 1 start (43 tackles, 2 PBUs, FF). Entered the transfer portal after the regular season but still played in Duke’s Birmingham Bowl win over Troy.
- 2024: Third-team Associated Press All-American. First-team All-ACC. Started all 12 games (31 tackles, 6.5 TFLs with 3 sacks, 3 PBUs).
- Miscellaneous: Father, William, was an All-American DL at Appalachian State and played in the Arena League. Mother, Gia, was an All-Big West softball player at Cal State-Long Beach. Grandfather, Doug Wilkerson, was an OL/DL at North Carolina Central and was drafted 14th overall by the Houston Oilers in 1970 (3-time Pro Bowler).
2: C Jared Wilson
While C Jared Wilson, the red-shirt junior, 21-year-old center out of the University of Georgia, may not be the flashy pick that Carolina Panthers fans swoon about, the pick is rumored to be in the second or even third round, giving massive value to a future decade-long center. Jared has shown that he can develop well, and the age of only 21 can give us a long runway to coach him up, including giving him players like G Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt the mentoring opportunity. Wilson is a must-take for the Carolina Panthers due to the long-term need at center, given the massive amount paid to both Hunt and Lewis.
- 2021: Redshirted. Played in 1 game as a reserve for the national champions.
- 2022: Played in 7 games as a reserve for the national champions.
- 2023: Played in 13 games as a reserve.
- 2024: Second-team All-SEC. Started 12 games at C. Missed 2 games with a foot injury.
1: EDGE Jack Sawyer
The 22-year-old Senior EDGE Jack Sawyer out of Ohio State University is one that many teams seem to be sleeping on but might end up being an early second-round pick, outside of the ability for Carolina to take him. Sawyer ended his career with Ohio State tied for 7th in career sacks with 23, showing his raw ability while also showing the upside if given the right scheme. Sawyer could be the starter for the Panthers early in their campaign, and the knowledge given from the university allows him to move past other less proven EDGE talent like Shemar from Texas A&M.
- High school: 5-star recruit, top 5 overall prospect nationally.
- 2021: Played in 12 games as a reserve (13 tackles, 3 sacks, PBU, FF).
- 2022: Honorable Mention All-Big Ten Conference. Played in all 13 games with 3 starts (24 tackles, 6.5 TFLs with 4.5 sacks, PBU).
- 2023: Third-team All-Big Ten. Led team with 6.5 sacks. Tied for the team lead with 10 TFLs, 2 FFs. Started all 13 games (48 tackles, 2 PBUs, 2 FFs).
- 2024: Second-team All-Big Ten. Tied for the team lead with 3 FFs. Team captain. Cotton Bowl Defensive MVP (game-clinching 83-yard TD in the fourth quarter after causing and recovering a fumble on a sack of Texas QB Quinn Ewers). Started all 16 games for the national champions (59 tackles, 9 sacks, INT, 6 PBUs).
Is there an avenue where you don’t feel comfortable trading back in the draft? If so, drop it in the comments below! Carolina Panthers fans, #KeepPounding