Carolina Panthers (Last Year: 5-12)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: The Panthers arguably have the worst roster in the NFL. Their defense ranked 32nd overall last year, as the team couldn’t generate pressure on the quarterback or stop the run, so many upgrades are needed on that side of the ball. The offense was better, but only by default. The Panthers lack a true No. 1 receiver and a decent center. There’s also the question of Bryce Young being the answer, but with so many other needs, addressing the quarterback situation will have to wait.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Carolina apparently did not agree that its defense was horrific last year because it spent four of its eight picks on that side of the ball. This includes two of its initial four picks. The Panthers’ initial choice was used on Tetairoa McMillan, who might satisfy the No. 1 need if his reported work ethic issues don’t present a problem.
The Panthers rebounded with two strong picks following the controversial McMillan selection, snatching two promising pass rushers in Nic Sourton and Princely Umanmeilen on Day 2. However, the team squandered too many opportunities on Saturday. The Panthers wasted three picks, spending them on a running back, tight end, and another receiver. These draft choices would have been better served attacking the defense.
This was not a great draft for the Panthers. It doesn’t really feel like they improved their roster much despite having the No. 8 overall selection and picks in all three rounds of the first two days of the draft. They came away with some decent players, but they certainly did not make a move to surpass the Buccaneers or Falcons.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
8. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona – C Grade
Wow, our Panthers source did not pan out for once. Jalon Walker was heavy chalk to go here, but the Panthers decided to draft a No. 1 receiver instead. While this fills a need, I’m concerned with Tetairoa McMillan’s work ethic, which is something you never want to hear from a first-round prospect, especially one who is chosen in the top 10. Bryce Young needs this, and McMillan is talented, but will he give 100 percent at the next level? Also, what about the defense, which was the worst in the NFL last year?
51. Nic Scourton, DE, Texas A&M – A Grade
The Panthers finally get a defensive player. I’ve heard Nic Scourton discussed as a late first-round possibility, so getting him in the middle of the second round is nice value. The Panthers had the worst pressure rate in the NFL last year, so Scourton will certainly help in that regard.
77. Princely Umanmielen, DE, Ole Miss – B+ Grade
Princely Umanmielen was someone I had in the first round once upon a time, so I like this value. Umanmielen has some nice potential, and I like that the Panthers are continuing to address their horrible pass rush.
114. Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia – C- Grade
Travis Etienne busted in the NFL, but perhaps Trevor Etienne will pan out. The younger brother is a small running back, but has home-run ability. But with Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle on the roster, the Panthers had bigger fish to fry.
122. Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State – B+ Grade
I’m all for the Panthers upgrading any level of their defense, given how awful it was last year. Lathan Ransom played cornerback and safety at Ohio State, so his versatility is a plus, as are his coverage skills. He has an injury history, but he’s worth the risk in Round 4.
140. Cam Jackson, NT, Florida – B+ Grade
Cam Jackson makes sense in this range. He also fills a need for the Panthers as a huge run-stuffing nose tackle. Carolina was awful against the rush last year, so Jackson should help in that regard.
163. Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame – B Grade
The Panthers have Ja’Tavion Sanders, but needed another tight end, so it’s logical that they chose someone like Mitchell Evans at this spot. Evans has potential, but recently tore his ACL, so he may not be 100 percent until 2026.
208. Jimmy Horn, WR, Colorado – C- Grade
The Panthers spent a first-round pick on a receiver, you’d think they’d use their other picks on defense. Instead, they drafted Jimmy Horn, a small receiver who wasn’t productive last year.
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