Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has announced a significant change for the 2025 preseason, opting for a week of joint practices with the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles instead of returning to the Greenbrier resort. This collaboration, particularly with the Eagles, has been beneficial, fostering a strong relationship over the years. Notably, Stefanski credited the Eagles' staff for influencing his decision to draft quarterback Kenny Pickett.

The Browns will face the Eagles in their second preseason game, allowing for ample opportunity to evaluate player performance in a competitive setting. The shift from the luxury resort to Berea practices aims to enhance team preparation and fan engagement this summer.

The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for a pivotal 2025 NFL Draft, and their decisions will heavily impact the New Orleans Saints, who sit just behind them in the draft order. Both teams need to bolster their squads, particularly at wide receiver and edge rusher. Panthers' coach Dave Canales hinted at the team's strategic priorities, emphasizing defensive needs over offensive firepower. Despite offensive-minded tendencies, the Panthers may prioritize strengthening their notoriously weak defense, ranked 32nd last season.

The Panthers' offseason additions reflect this focus, but questions linger about the adequacy of their defensive upgrades. Notably, the team has engaged in discussions regarding a potential trade for DK Metcalf but opted to strengthen their defensive lineup first. With Adam Thielen leading last year's receiving corps, the Panthers aim to inject younger talent into their pass-catching unit, potentially targeting players like Tetairoa McMillan in the draft. Meanwhile, the Saints are eyeing a taller receiver to complement their existing roster.

The Carolina Panthers are making strategic moves ahead of the 2025 NFL draft, aiming to enhance both their defense and offense. In a recent mock draft by ESPN's Field Yates, the Panthers are projected to select Jalon Walker, the standout linebacker from the University of Georgia, with the eighth overall pick. Walker's impressive performance, including 6.5 sacks, highlights his potential to evolve within Carolina’s 3-4 defensive scheme, providing much-needed support to their pass rush.

To further bolster their offense, Yates suggests targeting Jaylin Noel, a dynamic wide receiver from Iowa State, in the second round. With a blazing 4.39-second 40-yard dash and a significant college production of 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns, Noel could serve as an explosive slot option, addressing Carolina's need for a vertical threat in their passing game and potentially improving on their lackluster average of 6.2 yards per attempt last season.

In the latest mock draft, Bruce Feldman has the Carolina Panthers selecting defensive end Mykel Williams from the University of Georgia with the eighth overall pick. Williams, who boasts a powerful frame at 6'5" and 260 pounds, previously suffered an injury that limited his playtime but made a significant comeback with an impressive performance against Texas, recording two sacks in that game.

Scouts are excited about Williams, citing his elite edge-rushing ability and versatility, capable of playing as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 defensive end. The Panthers, who had a lackluster pass rush last season, are said to have a strong interest in the potential impact he could bring.