The Carolina Panthers' 2025 first-round draft pick instantly made them better. Will they choose correctly again in this year's NFL Draft?
The Carolina Panthers took a meaningful step in their second year under head coach Dave Canales.
The Panthers finished 8-9 and backed their way into the playoffs, thanks to the Atlanta Falcons beating New Orleans in Week 18, so their progress was largely overshadowed by the New England Patriots going from worst to first in the AFC East and making it to Super Bowl LX. But going from 5-12 to 8-9 and making the playoffs for the first time since 2017 matters nonetheless.
As much as 2025 was a pleasant surprise, next season will be crucial for the Panthers. Carolina has a franchise-defining decision looming: Lock themselves into Bryce Young as the quarterback of the future, or cut bait and start over at the most important position.
Young was the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. His career has been up and down, to say the least, but last year was his steadiest: 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions on 63.6% completion in 16 regular-season starts. Those were all career highs.
The Panthers drafting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at No. 8 overall in 2025 was a big part of Young's development. McMillan won Offensive Rookie of the Year and added juice to the Panthers' offense to take some pressure off of Young.
According to Daniel Jeremiah's latest mock draft, the Panthers will employ a similar strategy in next month's 2026 NFL Draft.
Jeremiah projects Carolina to take former Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion with the 19th overall pick.
"The Panthers add more firepower for Bryce Young," Jeremiah wrote. "With his ability to separate before and after the catch, Concepcion forms a strong pass-catching trio with Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker."
Concepcion put up 919 yards and nine touchdowns on 61 catches for the Aggies last season and led the SEC in punt returns.
In January, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan told reporters that the team planned to pick up Young's fifth-year option, which will keep him under contract through 2027.