The Panthers add some much needed depth on the edge in the second round.
The Carolina Panthers traded up to the 51st overall pick to select edge Nic Scourton out of Texas A&M.
Scourton is a power player that had 10 sacks with Purdue in 2023. He played a different role in 2024 for Texas A&M, which played a part in his dip in production. He’s a potential three down player with positive traits as both a pass rusher and a run stopper. Every scouting report heavily emphasizes how heavy his hands are.
On the surface, it seems like the Panthers snagged a good value pick at a position of heavy need even after a bit of a run at the position at the top of the second round. Scourton will have a chance to step in and contribute immediately for a defense that’s looking for help anywhere they can find it.
Here is SB Nation’s scouting report for Scourton courtesy of Michael Peterson:
Stats & Accolades
- 2022 (Purdue): Played in 10 games (22 tackles, two sacks, forced fumble).
- 2023 (Purdue): Started 11 games (50 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, three pass breakups, forced fumble). Second-Team All-Big Ten.
- 2024 (Texas A&M): Started 12 games (37 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, five sacks, two pass breakups, forced fumble). First-Team All-SEC. Finalist for Lott IMPACT Trophy (top defensive player who exhibits Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community, and Tenacity).
What the Panthers are getting:
Scourton is an NFL-ready edge rusher with a thickly built, compact frame. At Texas A&M during the 2024 season, he reportedly played at 285 pounds but plans to play around 265 in the NFL. Scourton is a productive pass rusher who led both Purdue (2023) and A&M (2024) in TFLs and sacks over the previous two seasons. He wins with high effort as a rusher with a basic, yet effective, moveset that features a spin move, two-hand chop, and heavy hands to walk tackles backwards. He’s a menace in the run game whether you’re running toward him or away. He rag dolls tight ends playside and runs like a hound to snuff out runs from behind. Scourton will also still be 20 years old when he’s drafted, making him one of the younger players in this class.
Strengths
- Thickly built edge rusher with compact, muscular frame
- Uses speed-to-power to walk tackles into the lap of the quarterback
- Rag dolls tight ends in the run game
- One of the youngest players in the draft, will be 20 years old on draft night
- Sniffs out screens and reacts with little buffering time
- Effort outshines athleticism
Weaknesses
- One-trick pony as a pass rusher without many go-to counters
- Needs to work on keeping his chest plate clean more often due to lack of natural length
- Lacks quick-twitch to efficiently string pass rush moves together
- Can lose track of rush depth allowing quarterbacks a free escape from pocket
It’s way too early, but let’s go ahead and throw an instant grade on this one. How do y’all grade the trade up and the selection of Scourton?