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2025 NFL draft: Carolina Panthers add to secondary, select Ohio State safety 122nd overall

The Panthers add another piece to the defense.
Schuyler Callihan|
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Lathan Ransom (8) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Lathan Ransom (8) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers needed to get a safety in this draft, and following the selection of the 122nd overall pick, they have their guy. Moments ago, the Panthers took Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom (6'10", 206 lbs).

Ransom spent five seasons in Columbus, tallying 227 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 13 passes defended, 3.5 sacks, and three interceptions. He put together his best season as a Buckeye in Ohio State's run to a national championship, setting single-season career highs in tackles (79) and tackles for loss (9).

This offseason, the Panthers let Xavier Woods and Sam Franklin Jr. walk in free agency and brought in Trevon Moehrig, who is the Panthers' lone proven commodity in the current group of safeties.

Lance Zielein's scouting report on NFL Network

"Ransom is an experienced starter and natural strong safety with adequate size, all-day toughness and a proactive approach at the position. He plays with decisive eyes and good instincts that place him where he needs to be. He flows hard and fast. He’s a physical striker in run support and as an intimidator over the middle. Ransom is at his best playing downhill but can handle split safety duties. He might not have the coverage burst or top-end speed for some individual matchups but does a nice job of sticking to tight ends in man coverage. In total, he’s a disruptive, physical safety who can positively impact games and has future starting potential as a middle-rounder."

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Schuyler Callihan
SCHUYLER CALLIHAN

Schuyler Callihan is the publisher of West Virginia On SI and has been a trusted source covering the Mountaineers since 2016. He is the host of Between The Eers, The Walk Thru Game Day Show, and In the Gun Podcast. The Wheeling, WV native moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2020 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers.

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