Carolina Panthers commit to surprising but sound 2025 NFL Draft strategy on day three as they fill out their roster
The Carolina Panthers have been extremely process oriented in the 2025 NFL Draft, committing to surprising, but sound strategies throughout all three days.First, they selected Tetairoa McMillan, blocking out all the negative noise about his "grind" off the field, taking the best talent available that could help Bryce Young continue to develop.Then they ignored other […]
The Carolina Panthers have been extremely process oriented in the 2025 NFL Draft, committing to surprising, but sound strategies throughout all three days.
First, they selected Tetairoa McMillan, blocking out all the negative noise about his "grind" off the field, taking the best talent available that could help Bryce Young continue to develop.
Then they ignored other weak "character concern" narratives with Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen to snag two of the best edge rushers in the class with elite pass rush pressure and win rates.
Now on day three of the NFL Draft a new trend has emerged. The Carolina Panthers are just drafting high upside, experienced, Senior Bowl players that fit hyper-specific positions of need for them.
Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen were both Senior Bowl players the Panthers staff got extended up close looks at during the all star circuit. Tetairoa McMillan is the only non-Senior Bowl player they've drafted (as of this writing).
Trevor Etienne (RB, Georgia) in round four, Lathan Ransom (S, Ohio State) in round four, and Cam Jackson (DT, Florida) in round five. All Senior Bowl players with a ton of experience, track record of leadership, and a perfect fit with the Panthers.
As you can in the post above from the Senior Bowl this spring, Trevor Etienne dominated some of the best competition all week long during the all star event in Mobile, AL, especially as a receiving weapon. The Panthers likely take advantage of his pass protection and receiving skills to plug in on passing downs early as a rookie.
Lathan Ransom racked up over 2400 snaps for the Ohio State Buckeyes, posting a handful of phenomenal seasons playing a variety of defensive back roles. He'll likely compete for the Panthers' free safety role immediately.
Then lastly (as of this writing), Cam Jackson was picked as yet another Senior Bowl star with tons of experience from the Florida Gators. He was a run-stuffing monster for the Gators in college and he'll do much of the same for the Panthers.
Carolina gave up far too many chunk plays a year ago. Adding a 330-pound defensive tackle with over 1300 snaps of FBS experience who can shift between the A and B gaps to penetrate against the run is a huge win for the Panthers.
We'll be back with more Carolina Panthers coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
And if you want to see why Trevor Etienne likely becomes the Carolina Panthers receiving back and a huge part of the offense early on in his NFL career just check out his highlights in the video below!
