Panthers take steps forward with a solid 2025 NFL Draft
Carolina is looking like a problem. Nearly a week has passed since the draft and the grades are flying in. Many analysts have given the Panthers 'A's' across the board, as they addressed nearly every need in this defensive-heavy draft class. There's something to be said about a team who looks for quality over quantity. Head coach Dave Canales and GM Dan Morgan are making it their mission to change the culture of this Carolina team.
In Canales' first year, the team was a very bumpy road with no end in sight. Quarterback Bryce Young was waiting in the wings after an abysmal rookie year and was hoping Canales could change things for the better. Unfortunately, things were very bleak for Young halfway into the season.
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The former top overall pick was eventually benched for Andy Dalton. However, the veteran also made his way to the sidelines due to an injury, forcing Young back into the starting lineup. That two week hiatus did wonders for the one-time Heisman winner, as he came back with a vengeance that led to a more competitive team.
Fast forward to the final game of the season where they are involved in a shootout with the NFL South rival Atlanta Falcons. That game saw Young finish with five total touchdowns, three of which were through the air. While this was the end of a season, it was the start of a new chapter going into another year. Every year a team is looking for a new piece to add to the roster that can change the course of a franchise. The Panthers snagged numerous players that can make an impact on day one.
Tetairoa McMillan will be one to watch this year. A big body target who can jump out of the gym as a first-rounder. The Panthers finally went out and got a guy who can just go up and get 50/50 balls. At 6-foot-5, he has a similar build of rival Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans. Now with McMillan and Xavier Leggette on the outside, Young has key weapons to help him when he has time to get the ball out of his hands.
Related: Steve Smith Sr. shades Panthers draft pick again
Carolina then turned to their defense, which was ranked dead last in total defense for the 2024-25 season. They ranked 23rd in pass defense, along with 32nd in run defense, redzone defense and scoring defense. Needless to say defense was a high priority in this year's draft. The next two rounds addressed just that with a couple steals.
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Taking edge rushers Nic Scourton out of Texas A&M and Prince Umanmielen from Ole Miss will bring a huge boost. These two will be a key cog in the machine that is dying for new parts. Brian Burns being gone was rough, but these two can help balance out the defensive front. Scourton was noted as the fifth-best edge rusher and the 29th-best player overall, according to Pro Football Focus. Umanmielen was graded as the tenth-best and 50th overall on the big board.
Related: Steve Smith Sr. alleged cheating scandal takes a shocking turn over "Homewrecker" law
In the fourth round, Carolina had two picks and added something on both sides of the ball. They started with Florida running back Trevor Etienne, who'll look to add value to the backfield. The younger brother of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne, could be the new RB to cover for Jonathan Brooks as he recovers from an ACL injury.
Carolina then looked to improve their secondary when they drafted Ohio State's Lathan Ransom. The secondary was battered and bruised all last year, especially once they lost their star corner Jaycee Horn to injury. After releasing Xavier Woods in the offseason, bringing in depth at safety was a glaring need. Ransom's ability to cover as well as defend the run allows for some flexibility along the backend of that defense.
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By the fifth round it was all about depth. Carolina got some great depth pieces over the final three picks. They added Florida defensive tackle Cam Jackson, Notre Dame tight end Mitchelle Evans, and rounding out the draft class is Colorado receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.
Every player has a good chance to make the 53 man roster, if things pan out and go according to plan. One thing is certain, this Panthers team will be a strong opponent for whoever they face. The tides are shifting and the sun is rising on the new era for the Panthers.
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