The Atlanta Falcons had a super active first night of the NFL Draft. Atlanta began the night by drafting Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker at No. 15. They then traded up 11 picks later with the Los Angeles Rams to select Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. to acquire Pearce, the Falcons sent their 2025 second-round pick (No. 46), and seventh -round picks (No. 242) and next year's first for the Volunteer pass rusher and the Rams 2025 third round pick (No. 101).
While Atlanta needed pass rush help, many think they overpaid to move up and draft Pearce. That said, Atlanta's decision to trade up was by no means the worst choice an NFC South team made on night one. That distinction belongs to the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina, who had the No. 8 overall pick, selected University of Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Although McMillan isn't necessarily a bad selection, the Panthers have more pressing needs than wide receiver.
Falcons Fans Should Celebrate the Panthers Drafting a Wide Receiver
At first glance, adding McMillan seems like a good move for Carolina. Prior to his addition, their receiving corps consisted primarily of Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette. Though Thielen has been solid for the Panthers, the veteran turns 35 before the season begins and likely doesn't have long left. Therefore, adding a second youngster next to Legette is smart.
However, Carolina has massive needs on defense. The past two seasons, the Panthers' defense has been in the bottom 10 in every statistical category. In 2023, they finished with the league's worst defense.
So, forgoing a defensive difference maker to aid Bryce Young and the offense doesn't make the most sense. Sure, they can try to purely outscore opponents, but that rarely leads to victories in the NFL.
Even though Carolina still has a chance to add to their defense over the next two days, they missed on top-end talent. As a result, Falcons fans should be ecstatic with the Panthers' first-round selection.