BREAKING: Panthers Make Aggressive Move, Trade Up to No. 77 to Draft Edge Rusher Princely Umanmielen……………..
BREAKING: Panthers Make Aggressive Move, Trade Up to No. 77 to Draft Edge Rusher Princely Umanmielen……………..
In a bold and calculated maneuver that underscores their commitment to rebuilding a fierce defensive identity, the Carolina Panthers shook up the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by trading up to acquire the 77th overall pick from the New England Patriots. With that pick, they selected one of the most physically gifted and explosive edge rushers in the class—Princely Umanmielen, out of Ole Miss.
The deal saw the Panthers send the 85th overall pick and an additional fifth-rounder (No. 146) to the Patriots in exchange for the right to move up eight spots. For Carolina, the decision wasn’t about stockpiling picks—it was about securing a rare athletic talent who has the tools to become a difference-maker on Sundays.
A Calculated Gamble with Big Payoff Potential
General Manager Dan Morgan, leading his first draft in full control of the Panthers’ front office, made it clear: he’s not interested in passive rebuilds. Morgan and head coach Dave Canales identified Umanmielen as a high-upside player too good to risk losing. With several edge-needy teams lined up before pick No. 85, Carolina pulled the trigger.
“We believe Princely has the traits, the motor, and the ceiling to be a disruptive force in the NFL,” Morgan said in the post-draft press conference. “This was a player we had a second-round grade on. When he slipped into the third, we saw our opportunity.”
Umanmielen, a 6-foot-4, 255-pound edge rusher, is as physically gifted as any defender in the class. His wingspan, first-step quickness, and explosive bend off the edge have drawn comparisons to some of the league’s top pass rushers. While he’s still refining his technique, his raw traits give him the ability to win immediately and grow into an elite player over time.
From Gainesville to Oxford to Charlotte: The Rise of Princely Umanmielen
Umanmielen’s path to the NFL has been one of perseverance and development. He began his collegiate career at the University of Florida, where he played under three different defensive coordinators in four years. Despite flashes of brilliance—including leading the Gators in sacks during the 2023 season—he sought a more stable environment and transferred to Ole Miss for his senior year.
In Oxford, he flourished.
Under Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Pete Golding, Umanmielen posted career highs in sacks (10.5), tackles for loss (15), and quarterback pressures. His speed off the snap, combined with a more refined set of pass-rush moves, made him a nightmare for SEC offensive tackles.
“He’s a monster,” one SEC offensive line coach said during the pre-draft process. “You can’t teach what he has. He’s twitchy, he’s got great length, and he doesn’t stop.”
Scouts were equally impressed with his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he turned heads with his 4.61-second 40-yard dash and eye-popping 38-inch vertical leap. He followed that up with a strong Pro Day, cementing his status as one of the top athletic freaks at his position.
How He Fits in Carolina’s Defensive Rebuild
The Panthers are in the midst of a top-to-bottom retooling effort. After trading away All-Pro pass rusher Brian Burns to the New York Giants in March, there was a massive void in their edge unit. Free-agent additions have brought depth, but not star power. That’s where Umanmielen fits.
New defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero runs a multiple-front scheme that relies heavily on pressure and edge containment. Umanmielen’s versatility makes him a perfect fit, with the ability to rush as a stand-up linebacker or with his hand in the dirt. His motor and athleticism will be utilized on both early downs and obvious passing situations.
“He’s just scratching the surface,” said Canales. “What excites us is how quickly he can make an impact—he doesn’t have to be a finished product to contribute.”
Carolina’s defense, which struggled mightily in 2024 in both sacks and quarterback pressures, gets an instant injection of speed, length, and energy with Umanmielen. With proper development and coaching, he could anchor the Panthers’ pass rush for years to come.
Patriots Keep Building Draft Capital
On the flip side of the deal, the Patriots continue to maneuver the board under new head coach Jerod Mayo and GM Eliot Wolf. Having already made a splash earlier in the round by selecting WR Kyle Williams at No. 69, the Patriots clearly had no urgent need to hold the 77th pick.
They parlayed the pick into two additional selections—something consistent with New England’s draft philosophy of trading down for value. Later in the round, they moved the No. 85 pick again, this time to Kansas City, stacking future assets in the process.
For the Patriots, this was about quantity and flexibility. For the Panthers, it was about quality and conviction.
The Verdict: A Statement Move in Carolina
Drafts are often defined not just by who a team selects, but by when—and how—they do it. In selecting Princely Umanmielen, the Carolina Panthers made a statement: they’re not waiting to get better. They’re hunting for game-changers. And they believe they just found one.
If Umanmielen fulfills even half of his sky-high potential, this trade up could go down as one of the savviest moves of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Panthers have bet on upside. Now it’s time to see how far that bet can take them.
