Fri Sep 20 11:37:16 UTC 2024: ## Carolina Panthers’ QB Gamble Sparks 2025 Mock Draft Shake-Up

The Carolina Panthers’ decision to bench 2023 No. 1 pick Bryce Young has sent shockwaves through the NFL, throwing the franchise’s future into uncertainty and potentially impacting the 2025 NFL Draft. With the Panthers looking for a new quarterback, other teams in need of a signal-caller could face a tough selection process, as the 2025 draft class lacks a clear top QB prospect.

This week’s Bleacher Report mock draft, based on the latest power rankings, highlights the ripple effects of the Panthers’ move and explores potential top 10 picks:

**1. Carolina Panthers: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado**
With the Panthers likely to prioritize a quarterback, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders emerges as a top candidate. Sanders, son of legendary coach Deion Sanders, displays impressive arm talent, athleticism, and playmaking ability. Despite a rough start against Nebraska, Sanders bounced back with a strong performance against Colorado State, showcasing his potential as a franchise quarterback.

**2. Los Angeles Rams: Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame**
The injury-ridden Rams, currently struggling, could benefit from adding a top-tier cornerback like Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison. Morrison has the size, length, and fluidity to excel at the NFL level, and his addition would provide much-needed stability to the Rams’ secondary.

**3. Chicago Bears: Will Campbell, OT, LSU**
The Bears, who drafted QB Caleb Williams with the No. 1 pick this year, need to protect their investment by strengthening their offensive line. LSU’s Will Campbell, a potential left tackle or guard at the next level, could provide a crucial piece to their offensive front.

**4. Indianapolis Colts: Malaki Starks, DT, Georgia**
The Colts, struggling defensively, especially against the run, could benefit from adding a disruptive interior defensive lineman like Georgia’s Malaki Starks. Starks has the potential to be a dominant force on all three downs and provide a much-needed boost to the Colts’ run defense.

**5. Washington Commanders: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri**
The Commanders, building their offense around rookie QB Jayden Daniels, need a dynamic playmaker who can create after the catch. Missouri’s Luther Burden III, a first-team All-SEC performer, possesses the strength and explosiveness to make an immediate impact in Washington’s offense.

**6. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan**
The Jaguars, struggling defensively, need a lockdown cornerback to complement Tyson Campbell. Michigan’s Will Johnson, a first-team All-American, has the size, length, and skills to be a top-notch cornerback in the NFL.

**7. New England Patriots: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas**
The Patriots lack a true left tackle, and Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. could provide a much-needed anchor to their offensive line. Banks possesses the fluidity and pass protection skills to be a long-term, top-notch left tackle in the NFL.

**8. Tennessee Titans: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona**
The Titans, in need of a top receiving target, could benefit from adding Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan. McMillan quickly established himself as a top WR prospect with a monster performance in the Wildcats’ season opener and has the size and talent to be a dominant force in the NFL.

**9. Denver Broncos: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado**
The Broncos, looking to build around rookie QB Bo Nix, could land the most versatile player in the 2025 draft class with Colorado’s Travis Hunter. Hunter excels as both a receiver and cornerback and has the potential to be a game-changer on both sides of the ball.

**10. New York Giants: Carson Beck, QB, Georgia**
The Giants, facing uncertainty at quarterback with Daniel Jones, could turn to Georgia’s Carson Beck. While Beck’s performance in Week 3 wasn’t stellar, he possesses the skills and experience to potentially be a long-term solution at quarterback for the Giants.

The Panthers’ bold move to bench Young has created a domino effect that could significantly influence the 2025 NFL Draft, giving teams in need of quarterbacks a difficult decision to make.

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