After an encouraging 2024 season highlighted by the resurgence of quarterback Bryce Young, the Carolina Panthers seem to have aced the 2025 NFL Draft. The Panthers focused on building around Young offensively and filling their holes on defense, a strategy that produced promising results.
In Pro Football Focus’ annual draft grades, Carolina was one of three teams to earn an A-plus, along with the Arizona Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. The Panthers filled their biggest holes and got strong value on nearly all of their picks.
Carolina selected Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 pick in the draft, supplying Young with a new weapon. But the real success for the Panthers came on the second day of the draft, when they shored up their defensive front.
The Panthers picked Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton in the second round, which turned out to be one of the best value picks of the draft. Scourton entered the draft ranked 28th on PFF’s big board, but he fell to Carolina at pick No. 51.
The Panthers traded up to select Scourton, as they swapped four picks with the Denver Broncos. The Panthers jumping up to draft Scourton shows that they had their eye on the Texas A&M star from the start of the draft.
PFF also valued Scourton in the draft, as he had a 91.7 PFF pass-rush grade during his last two seasons in college, one at Purdue and one at Texas A&M. Scourton tallied five sacks in his lone season with the Aggies and was one of the most productive defenders on the team.
Scourton is set up to contribute right away in Carolina. Edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum are both entering the final year of their contracts, so the Panthers don’t have their future solidified at the position. Plus, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan was noncommittal on Clowney even being on the roster in 2025.
Dan Morgan was asked if the Panthers might be moving on from Jadeveon Clowney. His answer: “We’re still working through the roster.”👀
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 26, 2025
Carolina also traded up to draft Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen. The pick signals that the Panthers are looking to get younger on their defensive front. Scourton and Umanmielen will likely become Carolina’s top pass-rush duo, whether it’s this year or next.
The Panthers also added depth on the third day of the draft. Offensively, Carolina selected Georgia running back Trevor Etienne, Notre Dame tight end Mitchell Evans and Colorado wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.
Carolina also added Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom and Florida defensive lineman Cam’Ron Jackson to further build depth defensively.
With McMillan and Scourton leading the way, Carolina’s draft set them up for success. The Panthers could easily be a surprise contender in the NFC South next year, especially considering Young’s resurgence.
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