The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for an exciting 2025 NFL season, with significant changes to their depth chart following the recent rookie minicamp. Here’s a detailed look at the key developments and new additions that could shape the team’s performance this year.

Rising Star: Tetairoa McMillan

The Panthers’ first-round pick, Tetairoa McMillan, has already made waves in the team. Veteran receiver Adam Thielen praised McMillan’s exceptional body control and ability to make contested catches, qualities that are crucial for a top-tier NFL receiver. McMillan’s presence is expected to bring much-needed competition to the Panthers’ receiver room, a factor that has been lacking in recent years.

Quarterback Dynamics

Bryce Young, the Panthers’ third-year quarterback, is set to benefit from the new additions to the team. After a strong finish to the 2024 season, Young’s confidence is high, and the addition of McMillan as a reliable target could be a game-changer. The Panthers are optimistic that Young will take the next step in his development with these new weapons at his disposal.

Defensive Upgrades

On the defensive side, the Panthers have made several key additions. Derrick Brown’s return from injury is a significant boost to the run defense, which ranked last in the NFL last season. The Panthers also added Bobby Brown III in free agency, further strengthening their defensive line. The competition at the defensive end spot opposite Derrick Brown will be intense, with Tershawn Wharton and A’Shawn Robinson vying for the starting position.

Special Teams

The Panthers have also revamped their special teams unit, moving on from kicker Eddy Pineiro and punter Johnny Hekker. Ryan Fitzgerald, who had a perfect season at Florida State, is expected to take over as the new kicker. Sam Martin will handle the punting duties, although the team may bring in competition to push him.

Projected Depth Chart

Here’s a quick look at the Panthers’ projected depth chart post-draft:

Offense

• Quarterback: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton, Jack Plummer
• Running Back: Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle, Trevor Etienne*
• Wide Receiver: Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker; Xavier Legette, David Moore; Adam Thielen, Jimmy Horn Jr., Hunter Renfrow
• Tight End: Tommy Tremble, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Mitchell Evans*
• Offensive Line: Ikem Ekwonu, Brady Christensen; Damien Lewis, Brady Christensen; Austin Corbett, Cade Mayes; Robert Hunt, Chandler Zavala; Taylor Moton, Yosh Nijman

Defense

• Defensive Line: Derrick Brown, LaBryan Ray; Bobby Brown III, Shy Tuttle, Cam Jackson*; Tershawn Wharton, A’Shawn Robinson, Jaden Crumedy
• Linebackers: Pat Jones II, Nic Scourton, DJ Johnson; D.J. Wonnum, Princely Umanmielen; Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace; Christian Rozeboom, Jacoby Windmon, Bam Martin-Scott*
• Cornerback: Jaycee Horn, Akayleb Evans; Michael Jackson, Shermar Bartholomew; Chau Smith-Wade, Demani Richardson
• Safety: Lathan Ransom*, Nick Scott; Tre’von Moehrig, Demani Richardson

Specialists

• Kicker: Ryan Fitzgerald*, Matthew Wright
• Punter: Sam Martin
• Long Snapper: JJ Jansen

The Panthers are hopeful that these changes will help them break their streak of seven consecutive losing seasons. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising rookies, the team is poised for a competitive 2025 NFL season.