Ranking Panthers rookies by potential impact for the 2025 season

Much like anything in the NFL, making a real impact as a rookie is not easy.

Not only are you one of the new guys on campus . . . wait . . . there is no campus anymore. You're in the big leagues now, baby!

The jump from college to the pros can be a harsh transition for many—given the changes in routine, coaching, X's and O's and competition.

But the Carolina Panthers' heralded 2025 draft class might just have a few players who are primed to stand out from the jump.

Let's rank each of the team's draftees by their potential impact for the upcoming campaign . . .

1. WR Tetairoa McMillan

Yeah, we'll begin our list with the 6-foot-4 All-American who was taken with this year's eighth overall pick.

McMillan is in line to become the true No. 1 receiver for third-year quarterback and former first overall selection Bryce Young. The combination of his ridiculously wide catch radius and tremendous ball skills is a trump card Carolina's offense has lacked, and should present Young with a reliable go-to target right away.

His elite production at the collegiate level could also be a good indicator of some immediate success. McMillan, over his three seasons at the University of Arizona, reeled in 213 catches for 3,423 yards and 26 touchdowns.

2. S Lathan Ransom

Day 3 picks don't make early splashes that often. This fourth-rounder, however, is built a bit different.

That holds literally, as Ransom— at a rocked-up six feet and 206 pounds—already has the physical profile and play that translates into an NFL secondary. He's stacked up the experience as well, having been a three-year starter (and national champion) for one of the country's most high-profile programs at Ohio State University.

Ransom is viewed as a favorite to win the starting job at safety alongside Tre'von Moehrig. He'll have to fend off second-year back Demani Richardson, veteran Nick Scott and a handful of undrafted signees.

3. OLBs Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen

The Panthers came away with a pair of promising pass rushers on the second day of the draft. But they'll need some time to cook.

Scourton and Umanmielen both possess the length and the upside general manager Dan Morgan covets at the position. They'll just have to grow into their opportunities behind projected starters D.J. Wonnum and Pat Jones II.

4. RB Trevor Etienne

With 1,000-rushers Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle headlining the Panthers' backfield, touches for Etienne may appear few and far between. He could, however, establish an occasional presence on offense as a change-of-pace and/or third-down back with his chops as a pass catcher.

Etienne should also factor into summer competition as a return man. The shifty 5-foot-9, 198-pounder fielded 26 kickoffs and two punts between his 2022 and 2023 seasons at the University of Florida.

5. WR Jimmy Horn Jr.

Like Etienne, Horn's prior experience will appeal on special teams. He tallied 30 kickoff returns and 14 punt returns during his four-year college career.

His eye-opening speed should also give him a decent chance to figure into the backend of the receiving room.

6. TE Mitchell Evans

It's been quite a while since we've seen notable numbers out of a Panthers tight end. But Evans, along with 2024 fourth-rounder Ja'Tavion Sanders, may have to step up in the potential absence of starter Tommy Tremble—who underwent back surgery in May.

7. DL Cam Jackson

Perhaps the biggest weakness throughout their historically-bad defensive performance from last season, Carolina's line depth looks to be much bulkier here in 2025. Jackson will have to battle with veteran Shy Tuttle for backup reps behind projected starter Bobby Brown III.