Panthers make two draft deals for picks to sharpen edge

TEXAS A&M ATHLETICS

The Carolina Panthers took former Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton in the second round of the NFL Draft and added former Ole Miss edge Princely Umanmielen in the third.

Dan Morgan made moves to ensure the Carolina Panthers bolster their pass rush during Day 2 of the NFL Draft.

After establishing a dubious NFL record by surrendering 534 points and allowing a league-high 35 touchdown passes last season, Morgan didn't shy away during the pre-draft process from declaring the roster needed reinforcements. Morgan engineered two trades Friday to secure two prospects – Nic Scourton in the second round and Princely Umanmielen in the third.

“They are two guys we think very highly of,” Morgan said. “They can get to the quarterback. They can play the run. I didn’t think we would be able to get both of them, so to be able to capitalize, trade up and get these guys, we’re just super excited about it.”

Day 3 of the draft will commence at 12 p.m. with rounds 4-7.

Leaner Scourton has a new look

After surrendering a league-worst 6.0 yards per play last season, Morgan made no secret of his desire to add playmakers along the defensive front.

Most draftniks expected the Panthers to open with a defensive prospect but drafted wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan eighth overall.

With a run on edge players developing in the middle of the second round, Morgan orchestrated a trade with the Denver Broncos to move up six spots from No. 57 to select Scourton, who is coming to the NFL with a new look.
A leaner, more muscular frame.

In his lone season at Texas A&M, Scourton opened 2024 at 285 pounds. During the season, he changed his diet and continued the habits into the offseason. The results? He’s down to 257 pounds.
“I wanted to get tighter,” Scourton said during a video conference call Friday. "That's all it was. I’m getting stronger. I’m quicker. I’m faster. I’m stronger.

“I’m blessed to be in this position.”

A 20-year-old native of Byron, Texas, whose next birthday lands after training camp starts in August, Scourton listed “competitiveness” as his main on-field asset. A 2024 Walter Camp second team All-American and All-SEC first team selection, Scourton collected 14 tackles for loss and led the Aggies with 5.0 sacks.  

“I’m a natural-born leader who loves football,” he said. “I really don’t like to lose. It’s the worst thing in the world. My competitiveness drives me to get better.”

Scourton is expected to play an immediate role in the edge rotation with Jadeveon Clowney, D.J. Wonnum and free agent signee Patrick Jones II. He also realizes special teams could be an extra responsibility.
“Those are great guys,” he said. “Hopefully, they will take me in and coach me up. If I start on special teams, I’m comfortable to come in and compete."  
 
Panthers-Broncos trade details

Here are the details of the Carolina Panthers' second-round trade with the Broncos:

Carolina receives

• 51 (Second round)  

• 85 (Third round)

• 122 (Fourth round)

• 208 (Sixth round)

Denver receives:
 
•57 (Second round) 

• 74 (Third round) 

• 111 (Fourth round) 

• 230 (Seventh round)

Umanmielen brings athleticism to edge

Completing his second trade on Day 2, Morgan landed Umanmielen to bolster the edge after the Panthers ranked No. 29 last season with just 32 sacks. They produced 27 in 2023.

Carolina’s brass executed due diligence on Umanmielen, staging at least two sit-downs with the prospect. They met at the Senior Bowl and the Nigeria native traveled to Bank of America Stadium for a pre-draft visit.  

“The vibe was cool,” he said. 

Umanmielen moved to the United States and developed into a top high school recruit at Austin (Texas) Manor High.

After competing in 45 games at Florida, Umanmielen transferred to Mississippi, where he blossomed into a second-team All-America and first-team All-SEC. Listed at 6-4, 244 pounds, he combined for 37 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks and 55 quarterback pressures for Ole Miss. 

Despite playing in SEC, Umanmielen admitted to not knowing much about Scourton, but is eager to meet his new running mate. If he came from the SEC, Umanmielen was confident he’ll be prepared for the NFL.  

“The SEC is the best competition in college fooball,” he said. “It prepares us better. I’m ready to go in and dominate with [Scourton]."
 
Panthers-Patriots trade details 

Here are the details of the Panthers' third-round swap with New England:

Carolina receives

• 77 (Third round)

New England receives

• 85 (Third round)

• 146 (Fifth round)

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