Trevor Sikkema, a lead draft analyst at Pro Football Focus, is focusing on the Carolina Panthers’ potential edge-rush targets for the 2025 NFL draft. With a deep class of talent, Sikkema believes this year offers many opportunities for the Panthers, especially in light of the team’s recent free agency acquisitions.
General manager Dan Morgan has strengthened the Panthers’ defensive line by bringing in Patrick Jones II as an outside linebacker and adding Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III to the interior. Sikkema commented, “When you look at what they did in free agency, getting the two guys on the interior, bringing in Patrick Jones on the edge; they made their additions on the defensive line to feel better about some new names in there in the rotation.” Despite these additions, Sikkema sees room for the Panthers to further bolster their defensive line in the upcoming draft.
Sikkema has identified three edge-rusher prospects for the Panthers: Donovan Ezeiruaku for early rounds, Bradyn Swinson for mid-rounds, and Quandarrius “Que” Robinson for late rounds. Sikkema spoke on Ezeiruaku, “Donovan Ezeiruaku is a target that I absolutely love for (the Panthers) at No. 8 (overall) that I don’t think is getting talked about enough.” Sikkema notes Ezeiruaku’s impressive stats and understanding of pass-rushing as key strengths.
For the mid-rounds, Sikkema assesses Bradyn Swinson, who recently transferred to LSU. “A player who I think is very natural from that stand up two-point position and that’s really where he had a lot of success,” Sikkema noted. Swinson’s ability to convert speed to power and his excellent hand usage were highlighted by Sikkema.
Sikkema referred to the late-round option, Quandarrius “Que” Robinson, saying, “You can understand why he’s a little under the radar because this is his first year as a full-time starter.” Robinson, though newer to a full-time role, showed potential in disrupting the pocket as a situational player. Sikkema explains that Robinson, “played in that 3-4 front at Alabama, and you could feel good about him disrupting the pocket.”
Readers can find Trevor Sikkema’s analysis and opinions further on Panthers.com and Panthers YouTube, as the NFL draft approaches on April 24.
