Carolina Panthers 2025 NFL Draft: Full Breakdown of Round-by-Round Picks, Strategy, and Outlook

The 2025 NFL Draft represented a pivotal chapter in the Carolina Panthers’ ongoing rebuild. After a tumultuous 2024 campaign that saw glimpses of promise overshadowed by inconsistency, General Manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales approached the draft with a clear mission: surround Bryce Young with talent, fortify the defense, and lay a long-term foundation for success. Armed with nine picks—thanks to multiple pre-draft trades—the Panthers entered the three-day event with flexibility and urgency.

Below, we’ll break down Carolina’s full 2025 NFL Draft class, evaluate each pick, analyze trades, and explore what it all means for the franchise moving forward.

Front Office Strategy: Aggression with Purpose

Dan Morgan, in his first full offseason as GM, signaled early that this draft was about quality over quantity. The Panthers moved aggressively on Day 2 to secure key defensive playmakers and position themselves for offensive firepower. Morgan’s maneuvering—including two trade-ups and a mid-round swap with New England—was strategic and targeted.

The biggest takeaway? Carolina didn’t just draft for need; it drafted players who fit its long-term identity: fast, physical, and versatile. That mantra echoed throughout every round.

2025 Panthers Draft Picks by Round

Round 1, Pick 8: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Grade: A-

McMillan was widely regarded as one of the top two receivers in this year’s class, only slightly trailing Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith. At 6’5”, 210 pounds, McMillan boasts elite ball skills, deceptive speed, and an advanced route tree. He routinely won contested catches in the Pac-12 and gave defenses nightmares with his size and separation.

Fit with Panthers: McMillan instantly becomes Bryce Young’s WR1. His large catch radius and red zone prowess should boost Young’s confidence. Combined with Jonathan Mingo, Adam Thielen, and slot weapon Jimmy Horn Jr., Carolina now fields a legitimate receiving corps.

NFL Comparison: Mike Williams (Chargers era), with better route discipline.

Round 2, Pick 51 (via Broncos): Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M

Grade: B+

Scourton is a pass-rushing technician with a relentless motor. He logged 10.5 sacks in the SEC and was consistently disruptive off the edge. At 6’4”, 260 pounds, he has the flexibility to line up as a 4-3 end or a 3-4 OLB. His first step isn’t elite, but his hand usage and power are impressive.

Fit with Panthers: Carolina desperately needed to replace Brian Burns’ production. Scourton isn’t a one-for-one match, but he provides immediate pass-rush potential opposite DJ Johnson and situational pressure packages.

Upside: Double-digit sack potential by Year 2 if he refines his bend and technique.

Round 3, Pick 77 (via Patriots): Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Ole Miss

Grade: A

This may be the steal of Carolina’s draft. Umanmielen was once projected as a top-40 pick. A slight injury drop and an inconsistent 2024 campaign caused his slide, but the talent is unquestioned. He’s twitchy, explosive, and pairs nicely with Scourton.

Panthers Fit: The Panthers are transitioning toward a more multiple front. Umanmielen brings inside-outside versatility, and he’ll benefit from early rotational usage while growing into a starting role.

Long-Term Role: Starting EDGE by midseason with breakout potential.

Round 4, Pick 114 (via Cowboys): Trevor Etienne, RB, Georgia

Grade: B+

Etienne adds juice to a backfield that has lacked explosive plays. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry in 2024 and offers third-down utility. While he’s not a workhorse, he’s an ideal change-of-pace back with elite burst.

Fit with Panthers: Pairing Etienne with Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders gives Carolina a diverse backfield. He’s also a strong special teams contributor and could return kicks immediately.

NFL Comparison: Tony Pollard-lite.

Round 4, Pick 122 (via Broncos): Lathan Ransom, S, Ohio State

Grade: B

Ransom is a hard-hitting safety who thrives near the line of scrimmage. He plays with tremendous effort and reads offensive concepts well, though his deep coverage is average.

Scheme Fit: Likely to play a strong safety/hybrid linebacker role in Ejiro Evero’s defense. His toughness fits the defensive culture Canales is instilling.

Value Pick: A gritty Day 3 addition with starter upside in two years.

Round 5, Pick 140 (via Giants): Cam Jackson, DT, Florida

Grade: C+

Jackson is a space-eater with solid anchor ability. At 6’5”, 320 pounds, he isn’t flashy but can clog rushing lanes. He lacks elite burst but is disciplined.

Depth Addition: A rotational nose tackle who can contribute in short-yardage situations and help keep starters fresh.

Round 5, Pick 163 (via Ravens): Mitchell Evans, TE, Notre Dame

Grade: B

Evans is a dependable target with strong hands and above-average blocking skills. He’s not a vertical threat, but he can move the chains.

Panthers Fit: With Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas battling for targets, Evans enters a crowded tight end room but could emerge as a reliable TE2.

Round 6, Pick 208 (via Broncos): Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado

Grade: A-

Horn is a speedster with elite acceleration. He thrived in space under Coach Prime at Colorado and adds big-play potential.

Impact Role: Expect Horn to compete for return duties immediately. On offense, he’s a gadget player with slot potential. Think jet sweeps, screens, and slot go routes.

Recapping Panthers’ Draft Trades

1. Trade with Broncos: Panthers sent Picks 57, 74, 111, and 230 to Denver in exchange for Picks 51, 85, 122, and 208.
   • Result: This netted them Nic Scourton and Jimmy Horn Jr. while improving mid-round flexibility.
2. Trade with Patriots: Carolina sent Picks 85 and 146 to New England for Pick 77.
   • Result: Panthers secured Umanmielen before he slipped further. A smart, aggressive move.

How Each Position Group Changed Post-Draft

Offense:

• Wide Receiver: Upgraded dramatically with McMillan and Horn Jr.
• Running Back: Etienne adds a burst element missing from the rotation.
• Tight End: Evans adds competition and youth behind veterans.
• Quarterback: No new additions, showing trust in Bryce Young’s development.

Defense:

• EDGE/Pass Rush: Massive upgrade with Scourton and Umanmielen.
• Interior DL: Jackson provides depth behind Derrick Brown.
• Secondary: Ransom bolsters a thin safety unit. Still room for a veteran signing.

Quotes from the Front Office

Dan Morgan on Tetairoa McMillan:

“He was our top-rated receiver. The way he tracks the football and competes — he’s everything we want in a WR1.”

Dave Canales on Jimmy Horn Jr.:

“Speed kills. Jimmy gives us juice we didn’t have before. I’m excited to use him creatively.”

2025 Outlook: How This Class Shapes the Panthers’ Future

This draft class represents more than just roster additions. It signals a philosophical shift for the Panthers. After years of chasing stopgaps and patchwork fixes, the front office finally appears committed to a homegrown rebuild.

• Offensively, the foundation is set. Bryce Young, protected by an improving O-line, now has a dynamic WR1 in McMillan and multiple role players around him.
• Defensively, the infusion of young talent—especially on the edge—will help turn Carolina’s once-porous unit into an aggressive, attacking front.

If even half of this class reaches their potential, the Panthers will have set themselves up for sustained success by 2026.

Final Draft Grade: A-

Carolina didn’t just fill needs—they acquired long-term starters with upside at premium positions. The aggressiveness of the front office, combined with a clear developmental plan, gives this draft a strong foundation for the future.