Rising edge rusher named Carolina Panthers' best-kept secret

The Carolina Panthers have improved their win total by three games in each of the last two seasons. Last year, they finished at 8-9 (up from 5-12) and clinched their first NFC South title since 2015. Their success in 2025 was aided by their strong draft class, headlined by AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan.

Second-round outside linebacker Nic Scourton was also a key contributor, and may make himself known across the league with a huge sophomore leap. Scourton, who tied for a team-leading 5. 0 sacks as a rookie, was named by Bleacher Report as the Panthers' " best-kept secret " heading into 2026 OTAs.

Brent Sobleski writes: Nic Scourton showed up as a rookie, with team-leading five sacks. Last year's second-round draft pick didn't even become a regular starter until the last five weeks of the 2025 campaign. Scourton's promising rookie campaign should elevate him to full-time starter status, while benefiting from the Phillips' addition.

The Panthers previously lacked a legitimate edge presence. Now, defenses will concentrate on slowing Carolina's prized free-agent addition, while Scourton can regularly win his one-on-one matches as the squad's bookend. Scourton displayed a ton of potential as a pass rusher, despite not getting into the rotation regularly until October.