The NFL world was on fire in early March when free agency opened up. The Panthers were one of the teams who handed out some lucrative deals. They signed Tershawn Wharton and Tre'von Moehrig while also extending Jaycee Horn.
The next thing on the league schedule is the NFL Draft and the Panthers have nine total picks. They are seeking to add more talent to this team, but the latest report revealed that Carolina may have to fend off two division rivals to draft an enticing defender.
Per ESPN's Jordan Reid, Ole Miss EDGE/OLB Princely Umanmielen was on the SEC Network, and he revealed that the Panthers, Falcons, Buccaneers, and Packers have shown the most interest in him.
Ole Miss EDGE/OLB Princely Umanmielen shared with us on @SECNetwork that the Falcons, Panthers, Buccaneers and Packers are the teams that have shown the most interest in him throughout the pre-draft process.
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) March 28, 2025
Panthers, Falcons, & Buccaneers All Have Heavy Interest in Princely Umanmielen
It's great to see that the Panthers are looking to address their pass rush in the draft, as they were tied for 30th in the league in team sacks (32) in 2024.
At the same time, it is annoying that the Bucs and Falcons are showing interest in Umanmielen. Atlanta badly needs to improve their pass rush as well since they ranked 31st in the league in sacks (31).
The Panthers own the No. 8 overall pick in the first round, but that would be too rich for Umanmielen. The second round would be ideal, as Carolina owns pick No. 57. Unfortunately for them, both Atlanta (No. 46) and Tampa Bay (No. 53) are ahead of them in the second round.
If they want to draft Umanmielen, they may have to trade up to get ahead of both Tampa Bay and Atlanta.
Umanmielen is an effective pass rusher who can win with finesse and owns the play recognition to be a solid run defender. Over 57 collegiate games, he posted 136 total tackles, 40 TFLs, and 25.5 sacks.
The Panthers know their pass rush hasn't been good enough but if they want Umanmielen, they may have to trade up in the second round to secure him and stop him from landing inside the division.