Panthers trade up again in NFL Draft, take Ole Miss edge rusher in third round
The Carolina Panthers added another pass rusher in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft following a second trade on Day 2.
On Friday, the franchise used the 77th overall pick — acquired from the New England Patriots — on Mississippi OLB Princely Umanmielen. The 6-foot-4, 244-pound pass rusher was acquired following the trade up that sent the No. 85 pick (third-round pick acquired from the Denver Broncos) and the 146th overall (fifth) pick to New England.
The Manor, Texas, native is coming off a one-year college career at Ole Miss. During that time frame, he produced 37 tackles (13.5 for loss) and 10.5 sacks. He previously played four years at Florida, producing 99 tackles (26 for loss) and 15 sacks.
Umanmielen is known for his speed and bend around the edge. He will bring a bit of flash to a pass rush that has struggled to stack up sack numbers.
Umanmielen said he has a similar game to All-Pro pass rusher Von Miller. He said he sees his bend and speed as being similar to Miller.
“I think having that ability just helps me win fast,” Umanmielen said. “For example, I’m not a guy that sits there and does too much with the offensive tackle. If I can beat you now, I’m going to beat you now, and not give the quarterback any time with my bend and speed.”
In Carolina, Umanmielen will compete with second-round pick Nic Scourton, Patrick Jones, D.J. Wonnum, Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Johnson for playing time. General manager Dan Morgan was non-commital when asked specifically about Clowney’s future, noting the front office and coaching staff will evaluate the entire roster following the draft weekend.
Releasing Clowney would save the Panthers about $7.75 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap. With the arrival of the two Day 2 rookies and Jones, a notable free-agent signing, there could be more change coming to the position room.
“To be able to add these two guys, it’s just going to add to the group, and the competition, and everything that the program is about,” Morgan said at the end of the third round.
Following the trade up the board and the selection of Umanmielen, the Panthers have five remaining picks, all on Day 3.
The team owns the 114th and 122nd overall picks in the fourth round, the 140th and 163rd overall picks in the fifth round and the 208th pick in the sixth round.
This story was originally published April 25, 2025 at 10:17 PM.
