Panthers' behind-the-scenes video shows how close one team was to jumping the Bears in the first-round of the 2025 NFL Draft

This week, the Carolina Panthers were the latest team to post a behind-the-scenes video from the draft featuring general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales. Now, why does this concern the Bears?

Well, the Panthers had the eighth overall pick in the draft, two selections ahead of the Bears, and used that selection to draft wide receiver Tet McMillan. The Bears weren't exactly interested in McMillan, but the Panthers process of making the selection official nearly could have had an impact on Chicago.

Prior to making the selection, the Panthers were in trade talks with the Los Angeles Rams for the 8th overall pick. Los Angeles held the 26th overall pick in the first-round, meaning this would have been a significant jump for the Rams to make.

Ultimately, the Rams bailed out of the offer, and the Panthers stayed put at #8.

Discourse over who the Rams potentially targeting? 

Now that we know the Rams were calling to jump into the Top-10, which prospect the team was pursuing becomes an interesting story.

Based on previous draft inquiries and reports, the Rams were looking for an additional pass catcher to add to the offense. Dianna Russini reported the Rams were believed to be going after McMillan themselves. However, during the 2024 NFL Draft, the Rams were reportedly trying to trade up for a tight end in Brock Bowers.

Two picks after McMillan was selected, the Bears selected Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. Loveland also had pre-draft interest from the Rams and Ian Rapoport reported during the draft weekend that trade calls slowed after the Bears made the pick, signaling Chicago took the guy everyone was after.

The reason Loveland makes sense over McMillan is because the Rams first draft choice ended up being tight end Terrance Ferguson, not a wide receiver. Ultimately, during the Rams' draft video, nothing was mentioned about the potential trade or either player so we'll never really know for sure.

It ended up working out well for all 3 teams

At the end of the day, everything still worked out for all three teams. The Panthers got another top weapon for Bryce Young in McMillan, the Bears landed their top guy in Loveland, and the Rams ended up trading out of the first-round to pick up an extra 2026 first-rounder while still landing an offensive weapon in Ferguson.

It's always fun to see how all these things come together, or don't for various teams. Which is why these videos are so awesome to see when released.