There have been 25 drafts held this century, and 18 times a quarterback has been the first pick. Only two other positions have earned the distinction of first overall pick since 2000 — edge rusher (five times) and offensive tackle (twice). The QB1 race is currently wide open, and if it remains that way, there are multiple top-tier prospects at edge and tackle worthy of hearing the commissioner announce their name first in prime time. The Vols' Pearce tops my list and would be a fine replacement for Brian Burns after the Panthers traded him away. The Charlotte native produced 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss his sophomore season in Knoxville, primarily beating SEC tackles with his explosive athleticism. If he develops his pass-rush arsenal and adds a bit more bulk to his 6-foot-5 frame, he'll be hard to pass on.
Pearce has a rare combination of bend and closing speed. He's a scheme-versatile defender who had a 20.2% pressure rate (third in the FBS), 10 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss last season, and he was especially great on third down (25.5% pressure). The Panthers need an explosive edge rusher after trading Brian Burns to the Giants this offseason.
At this time last year, it was easy to put together the top of my mock, with stars like Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. But the 2025 draft class doesn't have that type of established star power, leaving the No. 1 pick wide-open.
A toolsy prospect, Williams' 2023 tape doesn't show consistency, but there are high highs, including what he did in the bowl game against Florida State.
After trading away Brian Burns, the Panthers find their next athletic edge rusher in Pearce. The sophomore's 21.3% pressure rate ranked third among college football edge defenders, as did his 92.4 pass-rush grade. The scariest part is that he won almost exclusively off athleticism against SEC tackles. If Pearce develops more pass-rushing moves, watch out.
Luther Burden III was one of the most productive receivers in the SEC last season, totaling 1,243 yards from scrimmage and scoring nine touchdowns. He can make plays all over the field and is incredibly dynamic after the catch. He should be the first wide receiver off the board come next April.
The driving motivation for nearly all of the Panthers' offseason moves this year has been providing more support for Bryce Young. If disappointing left tackle Ickey Ekwonu doesn't progress in 2024, the next task might be finding his replacement. Banks isn't the lengthiest blindside protector at 6-4 and 324 pounds, but his athleticism and footwork should help him hang with NFL edge rushers.
Shedeur Sanders made huge strides in his first year as an FBS QB and he'll be in the conversation with several other players to be the first quarterback drafted.
