Kassidy Hill

CHARLOTTE Two weeks after the 2025 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers are ready to welcome their draft class to the building. Everyone from the eight-man class, headlined by first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan, will be on hand for the rookie minicamp this weekend. It will be the first time the draft picksbesides McMillanwill be in the building since being drafted and the first time they are together as a group.

So much of rookie minicamp is about establishing initial chemistry, introducing yourselves, and learning about your new teammates. To help the class and fans, we're sharing icebreakers about each of the eight draft picks.

Tetairoa McMillan-Wide Receiver, No. 8 overall

Tetairoa McMillanre-wrote the record books while at Arizona, putting together back-to-back seasons of 1,300-plus yards. His 1,319 yards in 2024 were third-most in the FBS, and his 1,402 yards in 2023 were fifth-most.

McMillan's story began in Waimnalo, Hawaii. He was born on the island of O'ahu, where his extended family and parents are all from. As a toddler, his family moved to California. McMillan attended Servite High School in Anaheim along with Mason Graham. The Michigan defensive lineman was drafted just a couple of spots ahead of McMillan in April's draft, at No. 5 overall to the Cleveland Browns.

Graham even came to find McMillan backstage as soon as the receiver exited the stage following his pick and the high school teammates celebrated both making it to the NFL as Top 10 picks together.

Nic ScourtonOutside Linebacker, No. 51 overall

Nic Scourtonbegan his collegiate career at Purdue, and in the 2023 season, he accumulated 10.0 sacks (tied for eighth in the FBS), 50 tackles, 15 for loss, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble. He transferred to Texas A&M for his final year, taking him back home to Bryan, Texas. During the 2024 season, he led the Aggies with 14 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. He finished with 37 tackles, two pass breakups and a forced fumble.

But Scourton is a newer name for the edge defender. Until recently, Nic's last name was Caraway. In 2023, though, he changed it to Scourton to honor his father, Nicky Scourton.

Princely UmanmielenOutside Linebacker, No. 77 overall

Princely Umanmielenreturned to college for 2024despite returning a respectable draft grade after the 2023 seasonbecause he was determined to get to double-digit sacks before heading to the league. The edge rusher did just that, with 10.5 sacks at Ole Miss last season, 37 tackles, 13.5 for loss, and a forced fumble.

Despite spending his adolescence in Manor, Texas, Umanmielen is a native of Lagos, Nigeria. His family hails from Edo State, in the southern part of the country. The descendant of a village chief, Umanmielen's father wanted his four sons to remember their lineage, so all are named some version of Prince. There is Princely, Prince, Princewill, and Princeton.

Trevor EtienneRunning Back, No. 111 overall

Trevor Etiennewas a two-year contributor at Florida, even leading the Gators with eight rushing touchdowns in 2023, before transferring to Georgia for his final season. Once in Athens, he continued his streak of leading his squad, topping the Bulldogs stat sheet with nine rushing touchdowns last season. He finished with 122 rushes for 609 yards, nine rushing touchdowns, and 32 receptions for 194 yards.

The NFL has been a part of Etienne's life for a while, though. His older brother is Travis Etienne, a former Clemson Tigers standout and Jacksonville Jaguars running back. The elder Etienne was a first-round pick by the Jags back in 2021.

Lathan RansomSafety, No. 122 overall

The guy Pro Football Focus labeled as the rookie to watch this summer,Lathan Ransomplayed all three safety spots in college and was either a contributor or starter for five years (utilizing a COVID year). Ransom finished 2024 with 76 tackles, nine for loss, an interception, two pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. Oh, and a national championship.

Getting back on the field was a process for Ransom, though. In the Rose Bowl following the 2021 season, Ransom suffered a major leg injury, breaking both his left fibula and tibia while covering a kickoff. Ransom worked overtime to be back on the field for the 2022 season, though. However, playing through pain is part of his style. During that 2022 season, Ransom broke his thumb on the first play of the game against Maryland. He stayed in the game and, later that day, had one of his two blocked punts on the season.

Cam JacksonNose Tackle, No. 140 overall

The first thing you notice aboutCam Jacksonis his massive size. He's 6-6 and 328 pounds, creating a mountain on the defensive line. After three years at Memphis, he took that size and talent to Florida. By the end of the 2024 season, he had 37 tackles, four for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two pass breakups.

Jackson found more than just success at Florida though; he found family. Jackson is from Haynesville, Louisiana. And when he met Gators running backs coach Jabbar Julukea New Orleans nativethe two realized they were cousins.

Mitchell EvansTight End, No. 163 overall

Mitchell Evansis a former high school quarterback who spent a year as a tight end when his back kept him from twisting to throw. It was enough tape to earn Evans an offer to Notre Dame, where he spent four years. By 2024 seasons end, Evans had 43 receptions for 421 yards and three touchdowns. Over the last two years, Evans averaged 12.2 yards per catch.

Perhaps his most prized title, though, is as dog dad. Evans has a doodle named Franz, who he likes to feature on social media so much, Franz now has his own Instagram page. What a good doggo.

Jimmy Horn-Wide Receiver, No. 208 overall

Jimmy Horn Jr.is a speedy slot receiver who spent two seasons playing alongside Heisman winner Travis Hunter at Colorado but still led the Buffs with six receiving touchdowns in 2023. Last season, 2024, Horn had 37 receptions for 441 yards and a touchdown and acted as one of Colorado's kickoff and punt returners. Horn ran the fastest time at the NFL combine through the gauntlet drill at 19.81 miles per hour.

Horn's biggest claim to fame, though, might be the title of Deion Sanders' favorite son. During the NFL combine, Rich Eisen asked former Colorado and current Browns quarterback Shedeur Sandersand Deion's sonwhere he ranked on his dad's favorite kids list. The elder Sanders and Colorado coach texted Eisen that his actual favorite child was Jimmy Horn.