Analyst has Panthers doubling down on key need in way-too-early 2025 NFL mock draft

Hope isn't high for the 2024 Carolina Panthers, at least ESPN thinks so.

After drafting Xavier Legette at the tail end of the 2024 NFL draft, ESPN's Matt Miller has the Panthers opting for another wide receiver in his way-too-early 2025 NFL mock draft.

Specifically, Miller's crystal ball has the Panthers drafting Luther Burden III out of Missouri.

"In this scenario, the Panthers are able to move back and still land a playmaker, continuing to focus on building an offensive support system around Bryce Young after investing in guards Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt this offseason," Miller writes. "Burden is the most explosive player in college football -- he averaged 14.1 yards per catch and had 1,212 yards on 86 receptions last season -- and brings a Deebo Samuel-like ability to make defenders miss post-catch. And he does it with legitimate 4.3 speed. Pairing Burden with Diontae Johnson and 2024 second-rounder Xavier Legette would give Young the type of wideouts he needs to excel."

With the NFC South so wide open, the Panthers are hoping to make a run at the playoffs. If they do so, a talent like Burden may not be there when Carolina is selecting.

However, that is still not a guarantee. If things go sour for the Panthers, Young struggles again and Legette doesn't catch on like he is expected to, it could be tough sledding for the Panthers.

But a Burden, Johnson and Legette wide receive trio does sound quite appealing.

Related: Panthers' Adam Thielen learned a lesson that can only make him better in the 2024 season