{"id":256070,"date":"2025-11-25T15:37:27","date_gmt":"2025-11-25T20:37:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=256070"},"modified":"2025-11-25T15:37:27","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T20:37:27","slug":"panthers-draft-mid-season-review-successes-surprises-and-rookie-standouts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/11\/25\/panthers-draft-mid-season-review-successes-surprises-and-rookie-standouts\/","title":{"rendered":"Panthers 2025 Draft Mid-Season Review: Successes, Surprises, and Rookie Standouts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Carolina Panthers have made strategic moves in the draft, adding a mix of talent to strengthen both their offense and defense. In this Panthers 2025 Draft Mid-Season Review: Successes, Surprises, and Rookie Standouts, we break down all of their 2025 selections. From first-round stars to late-round sleepers, let&#8217;s highlight who has exceeded expectations and who still has room to grow.<\/p>\n<h2>Panthers 2025 Draft Mid-Season Review: Successes, Surprises, and Rookie Standouts<\/h2>\n<h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/11\/19\/why-tetairoa-mcmillan-is-the-nfls-clear-cut-rookie-of-the-year\/\" target=\"_self\">Tetairoa McMillan<\/a> \u2013 Wide Receiver (Round 1, Pick 8)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In my opinion, McMillan is a frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year. He has quickly emerged as a focal point of the Panthers\u2019 passing game. Known for his precise route-running and ability to make contested catches, he\u2019s shown flashes of star potential. His consistency and production make him one of the top rookie receivers in the league, and the Panthers are clearly building around him in the passing attack.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1055\" data-end=\"1078\"><strong data-start=\"1055\" data-end=\"1076\">Mid-Season Stats:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1079\" data-end=\"1194\">\n<li data-start=\"1079\" data-end=\"1101\">\n<p data-start=\"1081\" data-end=\"1101\">Receptions: <strong data-start=\"1093\" data-end=\"1099\">54<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1102\" data-end=\"1130\">\n<p data-start=\"1104\" data-end=\"1130\">Receiving Yards: <strong data-start=\"1121\" data-end=\"1128\">748<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1131\" data-end=\"1164\">\n<p data-start=\"1133\" data-end=\"1164\">Yards per Reception: <strong data-start=\"1154\" data-end=\"1162\">13.9<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1165\" data-end=\"1194\">\n<p data-start=\"1167\" data-end=\"1194\">Receiving Touchdowns: <strong data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1194\">4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1348\"><strong data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1210\">Successes:<\/strong> Explosiveness, route running, big-play ability<br data-start=\"1257\" data-end=\"1260\" \/><strong data-start=\"1260\" data-end=\"1277\">Room to Grow:<\/strong> Developing deeper chemistry with <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/11\/18\/will-the-real-bryce-young-please-stand-up-bryce-young-performance-vs-atlanta\/\" target=\"_self\">Bryce Young<\/a> in varied game situations<\/p>\n<h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/02\/10\/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-nic-scourton-texas-am\/\" target=\"_self\">Nic Scourton<\/a> \u2013 Linebacker (Round 2, Pick 51)<\/b><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_256291\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-256291\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-256291\" src=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/11\/USATSI_27606350_168400545_lowres-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/11\/USATSI_27606350_168400545_lowres-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/11\/USATSI_27606350_168400545_lowres-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/11\/USATSI_27606350_168400545_lowres-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/11\/USATSI_27606350_168400545_lowres-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/11\/USATSI_27606350_168400545_lowres-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/11\/USATSI_27606350_168400545_lowres-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/11\/USATSI_27606350_168400545_lowres-1200x800.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-256291\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nov 16, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Nic Scourton (11) reacts after a play in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scourton brings athleticism and versatility to the linebacker corps. He has a nose for the ball and has made several key stops, showing potential as a core defensive piece. While still adjusting to the speed of the NFL, his football IQ and instincts are encouraging.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1676\" data-end=\"1699\"><strong data-start=\"1676\" data-end=\"1697\">Mid-Season Stats:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1787\">\n<li data-start=\"1700\" data-end=\"1719\">\n<p data-start=\"1702\" data-end=\"1719\">Tackles: <strong data-start=\"1711\" data-end=\"1717\">30<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1720\" data-end=\"1738\">\n<p data-start=\"1722\" data-end=\"1738\">Sacks: <strong data-start=\"1729\" data-end=\"1736\">3.0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1739\" data-end=\"1764\">\n<p data-start=\"1741\" data-end=\"1764\">Forced Fumbles: <strong data-start=\"1757\" data-end=\"1762\">0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1765\" data-end=\"1787\">\n<p data-start=\"1767\" data-end=\"1787\">Interceptions: <strong data-start=\"1782\" data-end=\"1787\">0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Successes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Tackling, football IQ, coverage skills<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Room to Grow:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Consistency in run defense and reading offensive schemes faster<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><a  href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nfl\/player\/_\/id\/4429166\/princely-umanmielen\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Princely Umanmielen<\/a> \u2013 EDGE (Round 3, Pick 77)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Umanmielen adds depth to the Panthers\u2019 pass rush. He has the physical tools to disrupt opposing quarterbacks but is still developing consistency at the pro level. With proper coaching, he could become a key rotational player.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2214\" data-end=\"2237\"><strong data-start=\"2214\" data-end=\"2235\">Mid-Season Stats:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2238\" data-end=\"2325\">\n<li data-start=\"2238\" data-end=\"2257\">\n<p data-start=\"2240\" data-end=\"2257\">Tackles: <strong data-start=\"2249\" data-end=\"2255\">13<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2258\" data-end=\"2276\">\n<p data-start=\"2260\" data-end=\"2276\">Sacks: <strong data-start=\"2267\" data-end=\"2274\">1.5<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2302\">\n<p data-start=\"2279\" data-end=\"2302\">Forced Fumbles: <strong data-start=\"2295\" data-end=\"2300\">0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2303\" data-end=\"2325\">\n<p data-start=\"2305\" data-end=\"2325\">Interceptions: <strong data-start=\"2320\" data-end=\"2325\">0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Successes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Strength, pass-rush potential, physicality<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Room to Grow:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Consistency and technique refinement<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/03\/30\/2025-nfl-draft-profile-trevor-etienne-georgia-rb\/\" target=\"_self\">Trevor Etienne<\/a> \u2013 Running Back (Round 4, Pick 114)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Etienne adds speed and balance to the Panthers\u2019 backfield. Known for his agility and vision, he can break big plays both inside and outside the tackles. While still learning to handle a larger NFL workload, his explosiveness makes him a dangerous weapon in both the running and passing games.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2800\" data-end=\"2823\"><strong data-start=\"2800\" data-end=\"2821\">Mid-Season Stats:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2824\" data-end=\"2937\">\n<li data-start=\"2824\" data-end=\"2852\">\n<p data-start=\"2826\" data-end=\"2852\">Rushing Attempts: <strong data-start=\"2844\" data-end=\"2850\">20<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2853\" data-end=\"2878\">\n<p data-start=\"2855\" data-end=\"2878\">Rushing Yards: <strong data-start=\"2870\" data-end=\"2876\">94<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2879\" data-end=\"2909\">\n<p data-start=\"2881\" data-end=\"2909\">Yards per Attempt: <strong data-start=\"2900\" data-end=\"2907\">4.7<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2910\" data-end=\"2937\">\n<p data-start=\"2912\" data-end=\"2937\">Rushing Touchdowns: <strong data-start=\"2932\" data-end=\"2937\">0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Successes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Agility, big-play potential, vision<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Room to Grow:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Durability and pass protection skills<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/03\/20\/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-lathan-ransom\/\" target=\"_self\">Lathan Ransom<\/a> \u2013 Safety (Round 4, Pick 122)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ransom brings athleticism and range to the secondary. He shows promise in coverage and run support, and could develop into a versatile safety option for the Panthers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3273\" data-end=\"3296\"><strong data-start=\"3273\" data-end=\"3294\">Mid-Season Stats:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3297\" data-end=\"3382\">\n<li data-start=\"3297\" data-end=\"3316\">\n<p data-start=\"3299\" data-end=\"3316\">Tackles: <strong data-start=\"3308\" data-end=\"3314\">29<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3317\" data-end=\"3333\">\n<p data-start=\"3319\" data-end=\"3333\">Sacks: <strong data-start=\"3326\" data-end=\"3331\">0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3334\" data-end=\"3359\">\n<p data-start=\"3336\" data-end=\"3359\">Forced Fumbles: <strong data-start=\"3352\" data-end=\"3357\">1<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3360\" data-end=\"3382\">\n<p data-start=\"3362\" data-end=\"3382\">Interceptions: <strong data-start=\"3377\" data-end=\"3382\">0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Successes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Coverage ability, athleticism, football IQ<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Room to Grow:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Consistency and tackling technique<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/04\/14\/cam-jackson-2025-nfl-draft-sscouting-report\/\" target=\"_self\">Cam Jackson<\/a> \u2013 Defensive Tackle (Round 5, Pick 140)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jackson adds depth to the defensive line. He\u2019s strong and disruptive against the run, but still adjusting to the speed and technique of the NFL.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3731\"><strong data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3729\">Mid-Season Stats:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3732\" data-end=\"3816\">\n<li data-start=\"3732\" data-end=\"3750\">\n<p data-start=\"3734\" data-end=\"3750\">Tackles: <strong data-start=\"3743\" data-end=\"3748\">3<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3751\" data-end=\"3767\">\n<p data-start=\"3753\" data-end=\"3767\">Sacks: <strong data-start=\"3760\" data-end=\"3765\">0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3768\" data-end=\"3793\">\n<p data-start=\"3770\" data-end=\"3793\">Forced Fumbles: <strong data-start=\"3786\" data-end=\"3791\">0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3794\" data-end=\"3816\">\n<p data-start=\"3796\" data-end=\"3816\">Interceptions: <strong data-start=\"3811\" data-end=\"3816\">0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Successes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Run-stopping, strength, interior presence<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Room to Grow:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pass-rush moves and consistency<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/03\/04\/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-mitchell-evans-notre-dame\/\" target=\"_self\">Mitchell Evans<\/a> \u2013 Tight End (Round 5, Pick 163)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Evans is showing potential as both a blocker and receiving option. While still developing his route tree, he\u2019s made key plays in critical moments. His versatility could make him an important piece in the Panthers\u2019 offensive schemes if he continues to progress.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4250\" data-end=\"4273\"><strong data-start=\"4250\" data-end=\"4271\">Mid-Season Stats:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4274\" data-end=\"4389\">\n<li data-start=\"4274\" data-end=\"4296\">\n<p data-start=\"4276\" data-end=\"4296\">Receptions: <strong data-start=\"4288\" data-end=\"4294\">11<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4297\" data-end=\"4325\">\n<p data-start=\"4299\" data-end=\"4325\">Receiving Yards: <strong data-start=\"4316\" data-end=\"4323\">118<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4326\" data-end=\"4359\">\n<p data-start=\"4328\" data-end=\"4359\">Yards per Reception: <strong data-start=\"4349\" data-end=\"4357\">10.7<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4360\" data-end=\"4389\">\n<p data-start=\"4362\" data-end=\"4389\">Receiving Touchdowns: <strong data-start=\"4384\" data-end=\"4389\">2<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Successes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Blocking, versatility, situational awareness<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Room to Grow:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Route running and consistency as a receiving threat<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2025\/03\/30\/2025-nfl-draft-scouting-report-jimmy-horn-jr-colorado\/\" target=\"_self\">Jimmy Horn Jr.<\/a> \u2013 Wide Receiver (Round 6, Pick 208)<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Horn Jr. provides depth at receiver and has been a reliable target when called upon. His agility and ability to create separation make him a strong complementary piece to McMillan. While he hasn\u2019t made the highlight reels as often, his contributions are valuable for the Panthers\u2019 passing attack.<\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4886\" data-end=\"4926\"><strong data-start=\"4886\" data-end=\"4907\">Mid-Season Stats:<\/strong><\/p>\n<table style=\"height: 299px;\" width=\"574\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Receiving<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Rushing<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Receptions: 6<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Carries: 7<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Targets: 10<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rushing Yards: 44<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Receiving Yards: 66<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yards per Carry: 6.3<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yards per Reception: 11.0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Touchdowns: 0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Touchdowns: 0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Downs: 2<\/span><\/td>\n<td><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><b>Successes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Separation ability, reliable hands<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span> <b>Room to Grow:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Explosiveness and red-zone impact<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Overall Takeaway<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Panthers\u2019 2025 draft class delivers a mix of immediate contributors and high-upside talent. Tetairoa McMillan has been the standout, but players like Scourton, Umanmielen, Etienne, Ransom, Jackson, Evans, and Horn Jr. all show promising growth. With continued development, this draft class could play a major role in Carolina\u2019s push toward playoff contention and a stronger team foundation for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A complete look at the Carolina Panthers\u2019 2025 draft class, highlighting Tetairoa McMillan, Trevor Etienne, Nic Scourton, and other rookies.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5698,"featured_media":256290,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[33905,33298,7661,32868,33031,33420],"class_list":["post-256070","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-panthers","tag-carolina-panthers-draft","tag-nic-scourton","tag-panthers-featured","tag-princely-umanmielen","tag-tetairoa-mcmillan","tag-trevor-etienne"],"modified_by":"Drew Crabtree","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/256070","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5698"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=256070"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/256070\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":256292,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/256070\/revisions\/256292"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/256290"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=256070"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=256070"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=256070"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}