2025 NFL draft: Carolina Panthers select Florida defensive lineman with 140th pick

The Panthers add more depth to their interior defensive line.

Nov 16, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Cam Jackson (99) looks on prior to the game against the LSU Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

With the second pick of the fifth round (140th overall), the Carolina Panthers selected Florida defensive lineman Cam Jackson (6'6", 328 lbs).

Jackson is also another two-school player, beginning his career at Memphis. In three seasons there, Jackson totaled 51 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Following the 2022 season, he transferred to Florida and proved his production at the Group of Five level was legit. He racked up 69 stops, five tackles for loss, four passes defended, and 1.5 sacks across two seasons.

The Panthers' defensive line depth was a major issue a year ago, and they've now addressed that area in both free agency and the draft. They brought in Bobby Brown III to compete with Shy Tuttle for the starting job, while Jackson will slide in as the third option.

Scouting report from NFL Network's Lance Zierlein

"Massive nose tackle whose lack of productivity belies his potential to imprint on NFL games as a run defender. Jackson is a complete non-factor as a rusher, so his spot on a draft board will be relative to a team’s willingness to take a two-down player in need of polish. He’s long and plays with extremely heavy hands and an ability to overwhelm single blockers at times. When he’s allowed to swap paint and focus on smaller areas of containment, he’s a tough out. He gets knocked off his spot more than he should, but better block take-on and technique should create better consistency. Jackson has freakish size and is a more enticing prospect when tape flashes are prioritized in the evaluation process."

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

Panthers GM Dan Morgan gives cryptic answer on Jadeveon Clowney future

How Jalon Walker’s draft room reacted to getting passed over by Panthers

Winners and losers for Panthers after the first 3 rounds of 2025 NFL draft

Tetairoa McMillan clears the air on viral video that led to pre-draft concern