The Carolina Panthers face a pivotal decision in the 2025 NFL Draft, with significant needs on both offense and defense. The key question for the team is whether to focus on bolstering their defense in the first round and wait to address offensive needs later. Should they choose this path, several promising wide receiver prospects may still be available on Day 2 of the draft. These players could play a crucial role in elevating Bryce Young and the Panthers’ offense to the next level.
1. Jalen Royals: The Dynamic Playmaker
Standing 6’0″ and weighing 205 pounds, Utah State’s Jalen Royals is a prospect Panthers fans should watch closely. A dynamic playmaker, Royals has demonstrated an exceptional ability to turn short passes into explosive gains. In just seven games during the 2024 season, he posted 55 receptions for 839 yards and six touchdowns, forcing an impressive 17 missed tackles. His elite yards-after-catch (YAC) ability ranks among the best in this draft class, making him an ideal fit for an offense in need of big-play potential.
One of Royals’ most overlooked strengths is his contested-catch reliability, converting 64.3% of such opportunities. This makes him a dependable target in tight coverage, particularly in crucial moments—a skillset that could prove invaluable for Bryce Young.
However, there is a concern: Royals’ senior season was cut short by a foot injury in October. While he is working diligently on pre-draft preparations, NFL teams will need to thoroughly assess his medical history. If his health checks out, Royals could emerge as a third-round steal.
NFL Comparison: Jayden Reed
Why He Fits the Panthers: Royals’ combination of YAC ability and contested-catch reliability would bring a new dynamic to Carolina’s offense, offering Bryce Young a versatile and dependable weapon in the short and intermediate passing game.
2. Jayden Higgins: The Big-Bodied Red Zone Threat
If the Panthers are seeking a physical wide receiver, East Carolina’s Jayden Higgins could be the ideal choice. At 6’4″ and 215 pounds, Higgins offers a towering presence with an impressive catch radius. Over 26 college games, he tallied 140 receptions for 2,166 yards and 15 touchdowns, consistently excelling in the red zone and on contested throws. His size and ball skills make him a dependable target for quarterbacks, particularly in tight coverage.
While Higgins lacks elite speed to stretch the field vertically, his ability to win jump balls and make plays in traffic makes him a valuable red-zone threat. This skill set could address a critical weakness for the Panthers, who struggled to convert in the red zone last season.
NFL Comparison: Mike Williams
Why He Fits the Panthers: Higgins’ size, physicality, and catch radius would provide Bryce Young with a reliable target, especially in high-pressure situations and near the goal line, where Carolina’s offense needs a boost.
3. Isaiah Bond: The Speedster with Untapped Potential
Former Alabama wide receiver Isaiah Bond offers a unique skill set. At 5’11” and 180 pounds, he may be undersized, but his elite speed and quickness more than make up for it. Bond is a constant deep threat capable of stretching the field and excels at separating on vertical routes. His sharp cuts and explosive acceleration also make him effective on intermediate routes.
However, Bond has areas to improve. He struggles in contested-catch situations and sometimes relies too heavily on his speed, which could pose challenges against more physical NFL cornerbacks. If he can polish his route running and improve his consistency, Bond has the potential to become a game-changing weapon at the pro level.
NFL Comparison: Tyler Lockett
Why He Fits the Panthers: Bond’s speed and field-stretching ability would complement Carolina’s current receiving corps, providing Bryce Young with a deep threat to keep defenses on their toes.
Other Names to Watch
While Royals, Higgins, and Bond stand out as the top targets, several other intriguing prospects could catch Carolina’s attention in the middle rounds:
- Xavier Restrepo (Miami, FL): A classic slot receiver with exceptional short-area quickness, Restrepo could excel in a scheme focused on targeting the middle of the field.
- Tai Felton (Maryland): A rising prospect known for his polished route-running and impressive YAC skills, Felton has the potential to become a dependable NFL receiver.
- Savion Williams (TCU): Standing at 6’5″ and 225 pounds, Williams is a physical force with immense upside. A strong showing at the Combine could significantly boost his draft stock.
- Elic Ayomanor (Stanford): A player capable of highlight-reel moments but with inconsistent production, Ayomanor has the raw talent to be a Day 2 pick if he finds consistency.
A Golden Opportunity for the Panthers
If the Panthers opt to prioritize their defense early in the 2025 NFL Draft, they still have a chance to uncover significant value at wide receiver in the middle rounds. Whether it’s Jalen Royals’ explosiveness, Jayden Higgins’ red-zone dominance, or Isaiah Bond’s deep-threat capabilities, these prospects offer diverse skill sets that could transform Carolina’s offense.
With Bryce Young entering a crucial stage in his development, surrounding him with reliable weapons must remain a priority.
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