The Carolina Panthers are facing a critical offseason, particularly in enhancing their edge rush unit. Currently, the team has a moderately effective duo in Jadeveon Clowney and DJ Wonnum, but both players will be free agents after the 2025 NFL season. The overall depth behind them is a cause for concern, as evidenced by A'Shawn Robinson tying Clowney for the team lead with only 5.5 sacks last season, indicating a pressing need for improvement.
In light of this, a recent mock draft by Jacob Infante from Pro Football Network suggests that the Panthers should utilize their first-round pick to secure the top edge rusher available. They are projected to select Mykel Williams from the Georgia Bulldogs with the eighth overall pick. Williams, who stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 265 pounds, is lauded for his elite size, length, and power, making him a prototypical edge rusher in this draft class.
Williams has showcased his potential during his college career, recording 14 sacks and 23 tackles for loss over 40 games. Despite his strengths, including run defense and agility, he needs to enhance his gap discipline and initial quickness off the line. The Panthers face the challenge of possibly missing out on Abdul Carter from Penn State, who is regarded as the best edge defender in this draft. Given their position outside the top five picks and Carter's exceptional playoff performance, drafting Williams may be their best option.
