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ESPN says Panthers 1 of 4 teams most-interested in top-10 EDGE prospect

Ole Miss edge rusher Princely Umanmielen is a popular name for several teams going into the 2025 NFL draft.
Tim Weaver|
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi defensive lineman Princely Umanmielen (DL71) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi defensive lineman Princely Umanmielen (DL71) participates in drills during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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Carolina Panthers

We have reached the stretch run going into the 2025 NFL draft. What they actually have planned only people inside the building really know, but at the moment the Carolina Panthers seem to be primarily interested in wide receivers and edge rushers.

For the former, the Panthers have reportedly set up meetings with projected first-round pick Tet McMillan from Arizona, as well as Jaylin Noel from Iowa State and Colorado's LaJohntay Wester. For the latter, Carolina's interest is mostly focused on two Georgia prospects: Jalon Walker and Mykel Williams, both potential targets with the eighth overall pick in the draft.

The Panthers aren't limiting their search at this position to just those two, though. According to Jordan Reid at ESPN, Carolina is one of four teams showing the most interest in Ole Miss EDGE Princely Umanmielen. The Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also listed.

Umanmielen (6-foot-4, 260 pounds) is ranked ninth at his position in this class by CBS Sports. He began his college career at Florida, where he put up 15 sacks and 26 tackles for a loss in 45 games. For his senior year he transferred to Ole Miss, where he had a breakout season with career-highs in sacks (10.5) and tackles for a loss (14). Here are the highlights.

The scouting report on Umanmielen mentions tremendous burst and bend, which has earned him some comps to former Panthers star Brian Burns, now with the Giants.

For now, Umanmielen is projected to come off the board early in the second round.

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Tim Weaver
TIM WEAVER

Tim Weaver has been writing about the NFL since the 2013 season for multiple teams and outlets, including USA Today and The Sporting News. He currently covers the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers for On SI.