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The Carolina Panthers are enjoying their new receiver tandem. However, they got bad injury news at the running back position. Also, here are three hidden gems you need to know on the Panthers’ 2025 roster.
The Panthers are hoping to put the dread of the 2024 well into their rear-view mirror. For that to happen, they will have to be better on defense. And the good news is, two of the hidden gems come from that side of the football.
In the mix for making the most surprising moves into the spotlight for the Panthers is safety Lathan Ransom. He’s joined by wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. Also, edge rusher Princely Umanmielen may turn some heads.
Getting picked in the fourth round may not be ideal, but it may not matter for Lathan Ransom. He could be a surprisingly good player for the Panthers, according to profootballnetwork.com.
“(Safety) was the position that was particularly weak on the only defense to receive an F grade in our rankings last season,” Brandon Austin wrote. “Lathan Ransom brings a hard-nosed, versatile skill set to the safety position that could fit perfectly in Carolina’s rebuilding defense. A five-year contributor at Ohio State, Ransom is a battle-tested leader who thrived in a variety of roles across the Buckeyes’ secondary. Whether aligning deep, in the slot, or down in the box, he consistently showcased his toughness, physicality, and football instincts.”
And Ransom could jump into the fray from the get-go.
“Ransom profiles as an ideal sub-package defender with immediate special teams value,” Austin wrote. “He’s a downhill striker who excels against the run, delivers forceful hits over the middle, and plays with the kind of urgency and aggression that can spark momentum-shifting plays. His versatility could allow him to step in early as a big nickel or rotational safety while he develops the rest of his game.”
One thing that helps Ransom on the field is his study of the game, according to panthers.com.
“I love watching film, love trying to learn and take part of everyone’s game,” Ransom said. “So, you know, man, I’m just, I try to watch as much film as I can to learn from these guys.”
Ransom said he initially planned his NFL journey for 2023, but the Lord had other plans, he said.
“When that first happened, the time it happened, it was extremely hard on me,” Ransom said. “When you have so many goals and aspirations, you know, looking forward to, and then it doesn’t go your way.
“(But) I wouldn’t change that for anything. It helped me grow my faith with the Lord, and I felt that He has a plan. And this was His plan. Came full circle for me to be a Panther. And I can’t wait. I’m excited for what else He has in store for me.”
It’s good for Horn to know he has [caught the...
