If the Panthers went for defense on the first night of the 2025 draft, then the choice may have come down to these two players . . .

The Carolina Panthers went with Tetairoa McMillan at No. 8 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, shocking the NFL world.

When the Atlanta Falcons selected Jalon Walker at No. 15, he became the highest defensive player selected by the team since 2015.

For each pick, the format in parentheses is simple. The first number is when they were selected and the second number is ...