Jan 1, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden (2) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Brett Davis-Imagn Images

NFL mock draft finally gives Panthers a weapon, but not the one you're thinking of

Originally posted on Carolina Panthers on SI
By Zach Roberts | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 9:00 AM ET

If the Carolina Panthers are picking a defender with the eighth pick, it's probably going to be Jalon Walker. If they're not, then most mock drafts and analysts believe it's going to be Tetairoa McMillan. He's the (almost) consensus WR1 in the NFL draft, so if the Panthers want to give Bryce Young a weapon, they'll take him.

That's how many see it with only hours remaining before the Panthers officially get on the clock. That's not, however, how FOX Sports' Rob Rang sees it. He does think, partially because Walker was off the board already, that wide receiver will be the pick, just not McMillan. It'll be Matthew Golden.

In his final mock draft, @RobRang has players at the skill positions flying off the board in the first round

Read more: https://t.co/xwuQ4V2m7Z pic.twitter.com/M73hE7lb0d
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) April 22, 2025

"Bryce Young showed encouraging signs of growth in his second season, but GM Dan Morgan and the Panthers cannot make the mistake of leaving him without weapons," Rang argued. "Pairing the speedy Golden with 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette would give Young and offensive-minded head coach Dave Canales a set of playmakers to build around."

In this scenario, the Panthers passed on Mykel Williams, McMillan, Mason Graham, Will Johnson, and a handful of other players they've been linked to in mock drafts this year. They opted for the speedy wide receiver instead.

Some analysts, including former Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., believe Golden is WR1 in this class. The majority see McMillan as the top dog, and some even have him ranked as one of the best overall prospects. Still, Rang believes Golden is better and thinks he won't fall past the

This article first appeared on Carolina Panthers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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