2025 NFL Draft: Panthers Double Down on Defense in Rounds 2 and 3

KERNERSVILLE, NC – The Carolina Panthers continued to aggressively address their needs on the second day of the 2025 NFL Draft, focusing heavily on bolstering their defense with their second and third-round selections. The Panthers made a move to get the pass-rusher they wanted. In a flurry of draft capital movement, the Panthers executed a significant trade with the Denver Broncos early in the second round.

The Panthers swapped four picks back and forth with the Broncos to get to outside linebacker Nic Scourton with the 51st pick. The specifics of the deal saw the Panthers trade the 54th, 74th, 111th, and 230th picks to Denver in exchange for the 51st, 85th, 122nd, and 208th. Despite the maneuvering, the deal ultimately leaves them with nine total picks, the same as they entered the weekend with, showcasing General Manager Dan Morgan’s willingness to be active without sacrificing overall draft capital. Scourton, out of Texas A&M, is known for his explosive first step and relentless pursuit of the quarterback, traits the Panthers desperately need to inject into their pass-rushing unit. His addition is expected to provide an immediate impact on the defensive front.

The Panthers weren’t done wheeling and dealing on day two. The Panthers made a second deal in the second day to fill another major need on defense. This time, they looked to the New England Patriots to move up in the third round. The Panthers traded the 85th and 146th to New England for the 77th pick.

With that newly acquired pick, they took Ole Miss outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen. Umanmielen brings a different skillset to the Panthers’ defense, known for his strength, versatility, and ability to set the edge against the run. His addition alongside Scourton provides defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero with two exciting new pieces to mold and utilize in various defensive schemes.

The pair of selections underscores the Panthers’ commitment to revamping their defense early in this draft. By securing two talented outside linebackers in Scourton and Umanmielen, the team has addressed a critical need for consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. While the trades involved moving around the draft board, the Panthers ultimately landed two players they clearly coveted.

That leaves the Panthers with eight total picks this weekend, with more opportunities to add talent on both sides of the ball as the draft progresses into its final day. The early focus on the defensive front, however, signals a clear priority for the Carolina brain trust as they look to build a more formidable and disruptive unit for the upcoming NFL season.