NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein has released his first mock draft of the offseason, and Carolina Panthers fans might be surprised by his projection. Holding the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after finishing 5-12, the Panthers are looking to address key roster needs.
Despite the disappointing record, quarterback Bryce Young showed significant improvement down the stretch. Benefiting from a much-improved offensive line and a group of emerging young playmakers, the former Alabama star began to resemble the dynamic player he was in college. However, the Panthers’ struggles stemmed largely from a porous defense that ranked near the bottom of the league in several key statistical categories.
Given the defensive issues, many expected Carolina to target help on that side of the ball. Zierlein’s pick reflects this need, projecting a player who could make an immediate impact and help bolster a unit desperate for improvement heading into the 2025 season.
Despite Carolina’s glaring defensive needs, Lance Zierlein’s first mock draft has the Panthers focusing on offense with the eighth overall pick. Zierlein projects that Carolina will select Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, a choice that may surprise some fans given the team’s defensive struggles.
“Bryce Young’s turnaround has given life to the Panthers, but he still needs more help,” Zierlein explains. “Warren can become the perfect safety blanket for the third-year quarterback.”
Warren’s size, athleticism, and reliable hands make him an intriguing weapon for Young, providing a consistent target over the middle and in the red zone. His ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties could open up Carolina’s offense, complementing their young playmakers and helping Young continue his development.
While the Panthers’ defense remains a concern, adding a versatile tight end like Warren could accelerate Young’s growth and give the offense the balance it’s been missing.
Panthers Select Penn State Tight End Tyler Warren In Latest Mock Draft
Tyler Warren the Player
Before evaluating his fit, it’s important to first examine Tyler Warren as a football player. Standing at an unofficial 6’6″ and 249 pounds, it’s clear why the Penn State senior has captured the attention of many teams. His athleticism alone gives him the potential to be one of the top players in the game. Warren thrives in various roles—whether lined up in the slot, as an in-line tight end, or even taking snaps in the Wildcat. He moves fluidly in open space, consistently evading defenders and gaining extra yards after the catch.
Warren’s impact goes beyond just being a threat in the open field. He effectively uses his large frame to win contested catches, combining his size and athletic ability to outjump defenders and secure the ball, even through heavy contact. His elite physical tools, paired with a strong football IQ, suggest he could develop into a top-five tight end in the league if everything comes together.
That said, Warren isn’t without flaws, which raises questions about his fit with the Panthers in this mock draft. Much of his success in college was due to his superior size, speed, and strength compared to defenders. In the NFL, he won’t have that same overwhelming physical edge, so refining his route running will be crucial. Additionally, while he’s effective after the catch, he relies more on elusiveness than sheer power. Given his size, he should be breaking more tackles instead of just avoiding them.
Is He the Right Choice?
Tyler Warren is a solid player, but it’s difficult to justify this pick for the Panthers in the mock draft. While adding weapons to support a young quarterback like Bryce Young is always beneficial, there are more effective ways to achieve that. Warren has too many limitations to be considered an elite prospect, and using a top-10 pick on a tight end who’s good but not exceptional feels like a reach. If Carolina isn’t sold on Ja’Tavion Sanders’ long-term potential, they’d be better off targeting someone like Elijah Arroyo or Gunnar Helm in the later rounds, allowing them to use their top-10 selection on a higher-impact player at a more critical position.
In Zeirlein’s mock draft, the Saints are projected to take edge rusher Mykel Williams just one pick after the Panthers. Honestly, Carolina has a greater need for an edge defender than a tight end, and Williams likely grades out as the superior prospect, even without factoring in team needs. The Panthers would be wise to prioritize a pass rusher with their top pick and focus on adding offensive pieces to support Young in the subsequent rounds.