The Panthers reveal a straightforward approach for the No. 8 pick in the NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, Carolina Panthers fans are intensely debating which position the team should prioritize with the eighth overall pick.

Will they bolster their defensive front with a cornerstone player? Add a new defensive back to complement star cornerback Jaycee Horn? Or will they focus on the offensive side, where multiple positions could benefit from an elite prospect?

At the NFL meetings in Palm Beach, head coach Dave Canales addressed the situation, emphasizing that while drafting the best player available is always the goal, improving their struggling defense should also be a priority.

“When you have a top-10 pick, our focus is on identifying the best available player,” Canales said via Panthers Wire. “We’ve had great discussions about both offensive and defensive playmakers in this class, and we know we’re going to land a great player. The key is finding the right fit—someone who embodies what it means to be a Panther for years to come.”