Panthers Report Card: Grading the team's surprises, disappointments, and top rookies from the first third of the 2025 season

Defensive superlatives

MVP: DL Derrick Brown

Far and away, the best player in Carolina is Derrick Brown. It's no surprise the difference in the level of play this season compared to 2024 is due in large part because of Brown's presence on the defensive front. I'd go as far to say he's the MVP of the entire team. He's playing THAT good.

Glue guy: LB Christian Rozeboom

It was a shaky start for veteran linebacker Christian Rozeboom after being signed by the Panthers in free agency but he's been a tackling machine. The real "glue guy" moment came after giving up the green dot to a younger player in Trevin Wallace. Since the coaches made that adjustment, both players have been playing at a high level and it's not something a veteran would be happy doing.

Biggest surprise: S Tre'von Moehrig

The free agent signing of Tre'von Moehrig to replace Jeremy Chinn was a bold move to make, but the staff and front office had a strong belief in his ability to be an impact player. He's certainly been that kind of guy for Carolina with his ability to play against the run and always find his way to the football.

Biggest disappointment: CB Mike Jackson

It's always difficult playing opposite a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback. Opposing offensive coordinators and quarterbacks are going to be gunning for you every single week and it's easy to slip up at the position from time to time. Yet, as a veteran player, you'd expect more out of Mike Jackson in that role playing opposite Jaycee Horn. It's beyond time to start letting Horn shadow opposing #1's.

Turning point of the last six weeks: Dominating performance vs. Dolphins in Week 5

Normally, one would say the shutout game would be the turning point for a defense. Except for the fact that Carolina allowed 40+ points the next week against the New England Patriots. The real turning point came after that loss and turning it around against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. The Panthers dominated that game with three sacks and 19 rushing yards allowed.

Defense Overall Grade: C+

2025 draft class superlatives

Overachiever: WR Tetairoa McMillan

First-round pick Tetairoa McMillan has been as-advertised, if not even better, for the Panthers through the first six games of the season. In five of those games, McMillan led the team in receiving yards and even when he didn't in Week 6, he still added two touchdowns. His mentality is years above his age as well. Such a great return for what many considered to be a surprise selection.

Rookie we need to see more from: S Lathan Ransom

The team's fourth-round selection is certainly making a case for a more extended role on defense but his playing time has been a little inconsistent. Lathan Ransom's defensive snaps have been 9, 12, 34, 15, 36, 7. Frustrating usage for a player who's continued to impress when his number is called.

Biggest surprise: WR Jimmy Horn Jr.

After being inactive the first four weeks of the season, sixth-round rookie Jimmy Horn Jr. made his season debut in Week 5. The coaching staff had been impressed with his development in practice and his speed has proved to be a real difference-maker. Horn's only snagged four passes in two games, but one was a big fourth-down conversion and one was a big play on a 34-yard catch.

Draft Class Overall Grade: B+

Coaching report card

Personally, I'm still not fully sold on this staff. Dave Canales is getting some improvement out of the offense and the defense has looked much better compared to last season under Ejiro Evero. At the same time, both coaches are struggling to address the constant flaws and we've even had some players start to speak up about how they're being used and making it a player-led team.

Coaching Overall Grade: C