The Carolina Panthers' 2025 draft class stands out for its mix of grit, versatility and fresh talent. The team's first round pick, receiver Tetairoa McMillan, brings size and strong hands, showing growth since his viral freshman interview and celebrating his Polynesian roots with pride.
On defense, Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen add energy and contrasting styles — Scourton with his relentless motor and Umanmielen with agile moves like his eye-catching spin. Safety Lathan Ransom arrives with a reputation for toughness, playing through injuries and making impact plays on special teams. Finally, Cam Jackson and Trevor Etienne each carved unique paths, with Jackson providing both size and surprising agility, and Etienne determined to forge his own identity while building on lessons from his NFL-star brother.
NO. 1: A ‘YOUNG AND DUMB’ TETAIROA MCMILLAN WENT VIRAL. HE HAD TO MATURE TO LAND WITH PANTHERS
A video resurfaced last month, went viral and prompted questions about Tetairoa McMillan’s work ethic and love for the game. There was only one path to the Carolina Panthers. | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Zietlow
NO. 2: IF NIC SCOURTON IS THE DRAYMOND GREEN OF THE CAROLINA PANTHERS, THAT’D BE A WIN
The Panthers’ highly touted, newly drafted pass rusher used to be quite the basketball player. His on-the-court comparison? One of the toughest players in the NBA. | Published May 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Zietlow
NO. 3: CAROLINA PANTHERS DRAFT AN EDGE WITH A ‘WICKED’ SPIN MOVE AND VERY COOL NAME
Princely Umanmielen has an unforgettable name. Ask members of his draft class, and his game is pretty special, too. | Published April 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Zietlow
NO. 4: TREVOR ETIENNE CARVED OWN PATH TO CAROLINA PANTHERS — JUST AS HIS BROTHER WANTED
Trevor Etienne’s older brother, Travis, taught Trevor a lot. But one bit of advice paved the path of the newly minted Carolina Panther. | Published May 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Zietlow
NO. 5: BROKEN BONES AND JUICE: WHY PANTHERS WERE DRAWN TO ROOKIE DB’S GRITTY NATURE
The Carolina Panthers selected Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Ransom fills a need on the depth chart, but he could also fill a long-term hole in the locker room as well. | Published May 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mike Kaye
NO. 6: YES, CAM JACKSON IS MASSIVE. BUT THAT’S NOT ALL HE ADDS TO CAROLINA PANTHERS’ DEFENSE
The Carolina Panthers spent the bulk of free agency adding defenders of the hugely imposing variety. They got another in Cam Jackson. | Published May 1, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alex Zietlow
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.