5 Panthers players already flashing superstar energy at 2025 OTAs

Preparations for the 2025 campaign are well underway. The Carolina Panthers also raised competition for places during another frantic recruitment period. That changes the dynamic dramatically and ensures complacency won't become an issue.

Increased urgency to keep or earn starting spots is only going to help Carolina's chances. There are players on the roster bubble with their fortunes hanging in the balance. But the Panthers have shown under Dan Morgan and Dave Canales that strong practice performances will be rewarded accordingly.

Nothing will be given. Previous achievements mean nothing. The Panthers are turning the page and looking to achieve their first winning record under David Tepper's ownership. To accomplish this long-awaited feat, there is no room for passengers.

Organized team activities are ongoing. Carolina's eagerly anticipated mandatory minicamp is next week, and we can now say that training camp will take place next month. The stakes are about to be raised, but some have already made a considerable impact.

With this in mind, here are five Panthers players already flashing superstar potential at OTAs.

Panthers players already flashing superstar energy at 2025 OTAs

Nic Scourton - Carolina Panthers OLB

Nic Scourton is the only Carolina Panthers rookie who hasn't signed his first NFL contract yet. But he's participating in practices and displaying the physical presence that enticed Dan Morgan enough to trade up for his services at No. 51 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Releasing veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney was a supreme vote of confidence in both Scourton and Princely Umanmielen. The Panthers placed a lot of faith in their rookie pass-rushers, so they'll be expecting an immediate return on their investment. Based on the Texas A&M graduate's seamless transition at OTAs, he's got a good chance of achieving this feat.

Scourton is an athletically gifted edge threat. There are some technical refinements needed, but the ceiling is absolutely off the charts if he puts everything together. Learning from the likes of D.J. Wonnum and free-agent signing Patrick Jones II is something else working in the player's favor.

Tempering expectations initially would be wise. Scourton is a work in progress until further notice. He's flawed in some areas and needs to add more pass-rushing moves when the level of competition rises. But for now, expectations are growing about the Panthers potentially having a rare draft steal on their hands.

The Panthers need to generate more pressure in 2025. Those in power believe Scourton's traits can provide a legitimate spark that was sorely lacking during a historically bad campaign from Ejiro Evero's unit last time around. And he's off to a good start.

Chau Smith-Wade - Carolina Panthers CB

Some fans are concerned about the lack of cornerback depth on the roster currently. It wasn't a pressing priority for Dan Morgan this offseason, who opted to focus on other defensive areas in his quest to turn things around.

It would be surprising to see the Panthers head into Week 1 with their current cornerback options. If Chau Smith-Wade's early efforts at OTAs are any indication, there could be a lot more to come from the player in Year 2 of his professional career.

Smith-Wade was brought along gradually as a rookie. The former Washington State standout flashed promise from the nickel when reps came his way. The size issues that brought concern during his pre-draft assessments were evident sometimes, but there was far more good than bad regarding his initial foray into the pros.

This experience has served Smith-Wade well. The No. 157 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft looks more accomplished in coverage and is making turnover opportunities count. It's early days, but this represents a positive step in the right direction nonetheless.

Carolina shouldn't settle. But if one more veteran can be secured to go alongside Smith-Wade, Jaycee Horn, and Mike Jackson Sr., it could be a productive foursome for Ejiro Evero to utilize.

Jimmy Horn Jr. - Carolina Panthers WR

All the hype centered on the Panthers selecting Tetairoa McMillan at No. 8 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. That hasn't stopped an unheralded choice further down the pecking order from leaving a mark much sooner than anticipated.

There is a quiet intrigue around sixth-round pick Jimmy Horn Jr. He comes highly recommended by his college coaches at Colorado. The Panthers must like what they've seen from the explosive pass-catcher so far, who's been one of the genuine standouts at OTAs, according to those in attendance.

Horn is staking a strong claim for involvement. It's a crowded wide receiver room, so earning targets will be difficult. The rookie is also expected to become one of the team's primary kick returners, which is another positive way to exploit the outstanding athletic attributes at his disposal.

There is a high ceiling attached to Horn's outlook, but some substantial refinement is needed. Concentration issues became a big problem on occasion in college. That cannot continue for much longer as the margins get finer in the pros.

Aside from that, Horn brings a lot to the table. He's also got a fierce inner drive that'll make him a favorite in no time at all. This is a player fans should keep a close eye on over the summer.

Tre'von Moehrig - Carolina Panthers S

Dan Morgan spared no expense in free agency in pursuit of fixing Ejiro Evero's historically bad defense. The Carolina Panthers resorted to drastic measures, striking with conviction when opportunities arose to find the immediate difference-makers needed.

One high-profile arrival is off to a good start. The Panthers splashed the cash on standout safety Tre'von Moehrig from the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. His versatility and tone-setting prowess against the run can be a real asset for Evero's 3-4 base scheme. And the former TCU star is eager to repay the faith shown in him by the front office.

Head coach Dave Canales lauded Moehrig's smooth transition to the Panthers throughout OTAs. He's leading from the front and being deployed creatively by the defensive staff. Not since Jeremy Chinn has Carolina had a legitimate game-changer with his instincts to be around the football consistently. That's only going to help Evero turn the tide and get himself off the hot seat.

The Panthers are counting on Moehrig to deliver the goods early and often. He's being paid like a top-level safety, so he needs to play like one. Based on his previous output and the scope for further growth, this objective should be met with minimal fuss.

Tetairoa McMillan - Carolina Panthers WR

The Panthers are expecting big things from Tetairoa McMillan. Most thought Dan Morgan would go with a promising edge rusher at No. 8 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the former Arizona wide receiver was always their top priority.

McMillan is a unique talent. There are some concerns about his top-end speed and ability to create separation, but his creative playmaking and NFL-ready contested catch prowess should help the Panthers immediately. And there is a definite swagger associated with his demeanor that's hard not to love.

Carolina's new prized possession wasted no time making his presence felt. McMillan is impressing at OTAs, displaying his vice-like hands and flair for the extravagant that made him such a highly-coveted prospect. His instant chemistry with quarterback Bryce Young only whets the appetite further about what this new connection could accomplish moving forward.

There will be no bedding-in period for McMillan. The strike rate for wide receivers taken in the top 10 is high, and most make a significant impact right away. There is a long way to go and a lot of hard work ahead for the pass-catcher, but he's off to the best possible start.

If the same trend continues throughout the summer, McMillan will be a rookie breakout candidate when the regular season arrives.