Cat Scratch Reader
A handful of prospects that fit exactly what the Panthers should be looking for during the final rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft
After a number of trades over the past couple of years, the Carolina Panthers have a heaping 6 picks at their disposal for the final day of the draft. Whatever they do with these picks will make or break the quality of the Panthers draft class and the roster’s depth going forward.
This week I’ve been writing about the players who make the most sense for the Panthers in each day of the draft - today we take on Day 3. I’m always looking for some great sleepers in the draft, so if you have a few of your own to watch out for leave them in the comments!
(Note: consensus ranks pulled from the Consensus Big Board on NFL Mock Draft Database)
Caldwell is stocky but surprisingly athletic considering his weight. His arms are a bit shorter than you would like and he didn’t test amazingly well in athletic drills which could contribute to a fall to the fourth round. An excellent run defender, he also shows some potential to rush the passer with including 7 sacks over the last two years and a 9.3% pass rush win rate
Why he fits: Caldwell would immediately be a strong rotational and versatile interior defender that could join Bobby Brown III and Derrick Brown to reinforce the depth on the defensive line. Given how historically poor the Panthers were against the run in 2024, they can’t afford to go another season with no depth or ability to rotate.
The first thing that stands out about Williams is his elite ball production, stacking up 7 interceptions and 10 forced incompletions in his final collegiate season. He doesn’t have elite physical measurables or athleticism which could leave him available for the Panthers picks at 111 or 114.
Why he fits: Williams would immediately provide much needed playmaking opposite Jaycee Horn and has the mentality plus strength to hold up versus the run. Williams would be the ideal back-up cornerback in Evero’s cover 3 heavy scheme with starting potential in case of emergency.
Besides having an elite last name, Buchanan is one of the elite athletes in this linebacker class with a 9.63 Relative Athletic Score. His instincts are not great and he is a little undersized, but he plays with a motor and his athleticism shows when he’s playing in man and zone coverage.
Why he fits: Buchanan is a developmental athlete that plays fast and would be an immediate contributor on special teams. If all the investments on the defensive line can keep him clean in the...
