Grading the Panthers' draft

Field Level Media|published: Sat 26th April, 21:37 2025

Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M defensive lineman Nic Scourton (DL65) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Carolina Panthers

Grade: B+

Best Pick: Edge Nic Scourton, No. 51 Overall

What We Liked: Getting two edge rushers (Scourton and Princely Umanmielen at No. 77) feels like a great maneuver to fill out the room. Especially adding Scourton to the mix, a crazy good power rusher whose hands will make waste to offensive lines across the southeast. The Panthers hit on all of their day three picks as well, especially Lathan Ransom and Cam Jackson, who can make an immediate impact at safety and nose tackle. The depth on the team just got a lot stronger.

Not Sure About: It feels like the Panthers already have a lot of tall wideouts who can't really separate consistently. First-round pick Tetairoa McMillan does not add much to the room that quarterback Bryce Young doesn't already have. Umanmielen doesn't move me as an edge rusher, and while he isn't a bad value in the third round, it doesn't strengthen their bid for the NFC South. Running back might have been a higher priority.

--Dean Bruce, special to Field Level Media