Cat Scratch Reader
Even though the 2025 NFL season just started, it’s never too early to look ahead toward the 2026 NFL Draft. This weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2026 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile will focus on South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
Sellers ended his high school career with a South Carolina high school state championship, Shrine Bowl MVP, and a 4.95 GPA. He decided to stay close to home, joining the Gamecocks and redshirting his freshman season in 2023. Last season, Sellers won the starting quarterback job and led South Carolina to an impressive 9-3 record in the SEC. His athleticism make him one of the more exciting dual threat quarterbacks in this year’s class.
At 6’3”, 240 lbs, Sellers has the elite size that will make the transition to the NFL easier. That size does not diminish his athleticism, as he earned a spot in the 2025 Feldman freaks list – he wrote: “At 6-3, 245 pounds, Sellers measured in with just seven percent body fat this offseason. He squatted 555 pounds and hit 22 mph on the GPS. And his coaches say he’s just scratching the surface of how good he can be.” Add to that freakish athleticism an absolute cannon of an arm and advanced pocket presence and football IQ for his age (he won’t turn 21 until after his junior season), and it’s easy to see why Sellers is a hot topic around the draftnik world.
Sellers’ main weaknesses stem from his youth and lack of experience. He can occasionally rush things when under pressure, and his deep ball could use a bit more control and better placement. He also is not great at anticipation throws, instead relying on his physical talents to throw late into tight coverages.
Most scouts compare Sellers to an advanced version of Jalen Hurts at the same point in his career, with a stronger arm and bigger frame than the reigning Super Bowl MVP. He is a true dual threat quarterback as he has the passing acumen to keep secondary players honest and the rushing acumen to keep the front seven terrified. Sellers has struggled a bit this season, seeing his passing touchdown percentage fall from 6% in 2024 to just 3.5% and his rushing numbers have plummeted. That is, at least in part, due to the struggling offensive line for SCar failing to open many holes and allowing too many sacks (which are counted as rushing yards for the QB in college). Sellers also suffered a concussion against Vanderbilt, which has undoubtedly affected his play since then.
The Panthers have not had a true dual threat quarterback since Cam Newton, and many fans are starting to sour on Bryce Young’s inability and/or unwillingness to push the ball deep. Sellers would absolutely throw the...
