Carolina Panthers Top Breakout Candidate in 2026
Summary
The Carolina Panthers will likely see edge rusher Princely Umanmielen take on a bigger role in the 2026 season after teammate Nic Scourton tore his ACL and will miss the year. Umanmielen showed promise in his rookie year and is expected to step up alongside new teammate Jaelan Phillips.Key Facts
- Nic Scourton, the Panthers' second-round pick, tore his ACL on the first day of training camp and will miss the 2026 season.
- Princely Umanmielen was a third-round pick in 2025 and played 16 games without starting his rookie year.
- Umanmielen recorded 24 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and caused two fumbles in 2025.
- He had a strong college career with 10.5 sacks at Ole Miss and 7 sacks at Florida.
- Panthers' coach Dave Canales expects Umanmielen to take on a larger role as a pass rusher.
- Umanmielen has physical traits like long arms and quick movement that help him rush the quarterback.
- The Panthers added Jaelan Phillips as a key free-agent player for the defensive line.
- Umanmielen played 22% of defensive snaps in his rookie season and now has a chance to become a top young player on the team.
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