Carolina Panthers 2025 NFL Draft Grades
The Carolina Panthers just concluded their 2025 NFL Draft. They made eight selections as they look to continue building and competing in the wide-open NFC South. How did the Carolina Panthers do in this year’s draft and will it translate to on-field success?
Round 1, No. 8: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Grade: A
McMillan is a perfect draft pick for young Quarterback Bryce Young. Young came on strong to end the regular season. This draft pick will give him another weapon as he continues to try and live up to the hype that comes along with being the No.1 overall pick. McMillan will join a solid receiving corps that includes Adam Thielen and
Xavier Legette. This selection will give the team another chance to determine if Young is the right quarterback for them. If he is unable to succeed with this triumvirate of weapons, the Panthers need to reassess their plan at the position.
Round 2, No. 51: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
Grade: B
Scourton is a versatile defender that will bolster Carolina’s defense. He had 50 tackles and 10 sacks in 2023. He cooled off considerably in 2024. He will need to regain his form from a few years ago to make this pick a worthwhile one. Scourton will be able to learn under Jadeveon Clowney. He has been one of the NFL’s best pass rushers over the last decade.
Round 3, No. 77: Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss
Grade: B-
The Carolina Panthers placed a premium on defense in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Umanmielen was the second of back-to-back edge rushers drafted. He had a strong 2024 season with Ole Miss finishing with 10.5 sacks. At least at the beginning of his professional career, he will be utilized as a pass-rush specialist.
Round 4, No. 114: Trevor Etiennne, Running Back, Georgia
Grade: B-
If this name looks familiar, it is because his brother Travis is a running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Trevor has an NFL bloodline on his side. Unfortunately, Trevor is not as good of a prospect as his brother. Trevor never took off at the University of Georgia. He always seemed to perform below expectations with the Bulldogs. He will look to reach his full potential in the National Football League.
Round 4, No. 122: Lathan Ransom, Safety, Ohio State
Grade: B
Ransom had a great season with the Ohio State Buckeyes. He helped the team win the National Championship earlier this year. He forced 3 fumbles and added an interception. He was a solid run-stopper in college. He will look to fill that role in spurts for the Carolina Panthers in 2025. The Panthers were the league’s worst defense against the run by a wide margin in 2024. Ransom will look to improve that part of the squad.
Round 5, No. 140: Cam Jackson, Defensive Tackle, Florida
Grade: C
Jackson is purely a depth play at this spot for the Carolina Panthers. He can be used as a run-stopper for the team and can rush the passer well at times as he illustrated in college. Jackson will look to solidify the trenches for the Panthers.
Round 5, No. 163: Mitchell Evans, Tight End, Notre Dame
Grade: B
Carolina did well drafting Evans this late in the festivities. He is a great yards-after catcher player and another solid weapon for Young heading into 2025. Evans also raised his level when the lights were the brightest. He had 9 receptions and 110 yards in the CFP Semifinal and National Championship Game.
Round 6, No. 208: Jimmy Horn, Wide Receiver, Colorado
Grade: C-
Horn has no clear role with the Carolina Panthers at this time. He was both a receiver and a special teams player with the Buffaloes. He is electric with the ball in his hands but may have trouble seeing the field for the team in his rookie campaign.
Overall Draft Grade: B
The Carolina Panthers had a stellar 2025 NFL Draft. Their chief concerns were providing Young with a few more weapons and improving in the trenches. They checked both of those boxes. Things are shaping up for the Panthers. This draft was another example of a team heading in the right direction.
