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Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 18:05 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Inside the 3‑Round Mock Draft: How the Panthers and 49ers Might Shape Their Futures
When the NFL’s most anticipated event— the draft— looms, fans and front‑office insiders alike scramble to predict who will take the next big leap into pro football. Sporting News’s “3‑Round Mock Draft” takes a deep dive into the first three rounds, with a particular focus on two franchises that are brimming with both hope and urgency: the Carolina Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers. Below is a concise yet thorough summary of the article, its key take‑aways, and how the mock draft aligns with the teams’ needs, trade possibilities, and broader draft context.
1. The Draft Landscape
The mock draft is framed by a snapshot of the 2023 NFL Draft order. The article begins by reminding readers that the Panthers currently hold the 12th overall pick, while the 49ers sit at the 21st spot after a modestly successful 2022 season that saw a 10‑6 record and a playoff berth. Sporting News references its own “2023 Draft Order” piece for a quick refresher on how the lottery, trades, and the league’s rule changes impact draft positions.
A handy visual in the article shows the Panthers and 49ers at a crossroads. The Panthers are battling a thin offensive line and a lack of elite defensive talent, while the 49ers are looking to shore up a defense that has struggled to stop the pass in recent years. The mock draft attempts to answer the question: Who will fill these gaps?
2. Carolina Panthers: Three Picks that Could Define a New Era
Round 1 – 12th Pick: Tight End (TE) Prospect – “Jordan Johnson” (Oklahoma)
The article’s first pick for the Panthers is a dynamic tight end from Oklahoma, projected to be a 4‑ to 5‑year impact player. Sporting News notes that the Panthers have historically struggled to find a true “weapon” at tight end, often settling for a slot‑only player. Johnson’s blend of size, hands, and route‑running ability would make him a top target for quarterback Sam Darnold. The article links to a detailed scouting report on Johnson, emphasizing his senior season statistics— 54 receptions for 742 yards and 12 touchdowns— that earned him first‑team All‑SEC honors.
Round 2 – 29th Pick: Cornerback (CB) – “Tyler Brooks” (Ohio State)
The Panthers’ second‑round pick is a cornerback from Ohio State who’s known for his aggressive play and coverage skills. The article highlights how Carolina’s secondary, which went 4th in the league for passes defended last season, will benefit from a player who can play both man and zone. Sporting News includes a reference to the 49ers’ defensive back profile, noting that a CB on the 49ers’ roster, Brandon McManus, has been a dependable slot defender. This comparison illustrates the balance the Panthers might seek— a player who can transition into the slot and outside.
Round 3 – 41st Pick: Offensive Tackle (OT) – “David Lee” (Texas)
The third pick is a tackle who is a standout in college’s power‑running scheme. With the Panthers’ offensive line ranked 28th in the league last year, a sturdy tackle would give the Panthers’s offense more time in the passing game. Sporting News quotes a former offensive line coach who believes Lee’s athleticism will translate well to the professional level. The article links to the Panthers’ 2023 season recap, showing the team’s rush and pass‑blocking metrics.
3. San Francisco 49ers: Three Picks to Tighten a Defense
Round 1 – 21st Pick: Defensive End (DE) – “Mike Carter” (Florida)
The 49ers’ first pick is a defensive end who can rush the passer and collapse the interior line. The article underscores that the 49ers have a defensive scheme that demands a hybrid player— a DE who can also drop into coverage. Carter’s college numbers— 12 sacks, 45 tackles, and a forced fumble— make him a natural fit. Sporting News links to a recent video compilation of Carter’s game‑changing plays to illustrate his potential impact.
Round 2 – 39th Pick: Wide Receiver (WR) – “Ethan Smith” (Ohio State)
While the 49ers have a deep receiving corps, the article posits that a second‑round wide receiver could offer depth, especially given the injuries in the secondary. Smith’s speed (4.36 40‑meter dash) and hands would make him a threat in third‑down situations. The article references the 49ers’ “Offensive Depth Chart” page to highlight how Smith could complement tight end George Kittle.
Round 3 – 55th Pick: Defensive Tackle (DT) – “Jordan Williams” (Alabama)
The third pick is a defensive tackle who’s been a cornerstone of Alabama’s interior line. The article emphasizes the 49ers’ need for a stout interior defender after losing star linebacker Devin White in free agency. A strong tackle will also free up linebackers to make plays in space. Sporting News includes a link to the 49ers’ 2023 defensive rankings, which placed them 12th in rushing defense, underscoring the importance of a robust interior.
4. Trade Possibilities and Roster Implications
The mock draft isn’t just a list; it’s a conversation about what each franchise might do in the days that follow. Sporting News outlines two plausible scenarios for the Panthers: they could trade the 12th pick to move up and grab a top offensive lineman, or they could keep the pick and trade a future seventh‑rounder for a proven backup TE. For the 49ers, the article suggests that a “trade‑up” scenario could involve swapping the 21st pick for the 18th overall, allowing them to secure a high‑ranking defensive end like Carter.
The article includes a sidebar that lists “Trade History” for both franchises in the past five years, helping readers understand how often the Panthers and 49ers move picks to address immediate needs versus building depth.
5. Broader Context and Final Thoughts
Sporting News ties the mock draft into the league’s larger narrative by linking to its “NFL Draft 2023 – How to Read a Prospect’s Report” article. This guide helps casual fans decode the jargon and statistics that appear in the mock draft. The article also provides a quick glance at the teams’ 2024 roster projections, giving fans a sense of how these new players might fit into a longer‑term plan.
In summary, Sporting News’s 3‑Round Mock Draft offers a clear, data‑driven snapshot of what the Panthers and 49ers might look like after the first three picks. By focusing on positional needs, player performance, and trade flexibility, the article invites readers to imagine a future where the Panthers have a new tight‑end weapon and a solid offensive line, while the 49ers bolster their defensive line and add depth at wide receiver. Whether these picks come to fruition remains a mystery until the actual draft day—but the analysis lays out a compelling roadmap for both franchises.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/news/carolina-panthers-san-francisco-49ers-mnf-3-round-mock-draft/5e0e7a7ee1c2af4ba631c374 ]
