The Athletic is getting an early jump on things, two weeks before the NFL combine and a month or so before the start of free agency. That can make for some tricky projections. So we followed a simple strategy in this first Carolina Panthers seven-round mock: When in doubt, draft defense.

The Seattle Seahawks are entering the 2025 NFL Draft needing to upgrade their offensive line. Head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider desperately need to find quality starters, particularly across the interior.

Offense, not defense, let the Green Bay Packers down during a three-game losing streak to end the season, which culminated in a lackluster los