We’re counting down the days until the Panthers open up the 2025 season!
In this series, we’ll be counting down until opening kickoff by running through the Panthers roster by jersey number. Today’s piece looks at No. 55 for the Carolina Panthers, defensive tackle Cam Jackson.
At 6-foot-6 and 328 pounds, Jackson has the requisite size to hold up in the middle as he begins his NFL career. He was selected by the Panthers in the fifth round (No. 140 overall) of this year’s NFL Draft as Carolina looks to further solidify the interior of the defensive line.
Jackson played five years of college football, spending his first three seasons with Memphis where he appeared in 34 games with 51 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. In 2023 he hit the transfer portal and spent two seasons with the Florida Gators where he played 23 games with an impressive 69 tackles, five tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.
After two solid seasons in the SEC, he was invited to this year’s NFL Combine where his NFL-level size was on display, but his athletic measurables weren’t quite as impressive. His Relative Athletic Score of of 3.89 puts him near the bottom third at his position for athleticism. While his size is considered “elite” for the position, his Explosion Grade (vertical and broad jumps) were considered “very poor” and his Speed Grade was “okay”.
As a rookie fifth-round pick, Cam Jackson should have plenty of time to watch, learn, and develop before he makes a regular impact. The Panthers nose tackle role will be held down by new arrival Bobby Brown and veteran Shy Tuttle.
A successful rookie season for a fifth rounder usually includes making the 53-man roster and contributing on special teams. This is the role Cam Jackson will likely play in his first NFL season.