CHARLOTTE — The Panthers used their first overall pick on offense, but on Day 2, attention turned to defense.
With the No. 77 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, the Carolina Panthers selected Princely Umanmielen, edge rusher out of Ole Miss.
Umanmielen adds talented and young depth to a unit that has needed an influx of both, a season after finishing tied for the third fewest sacks in the league, with 32 total. The club added Patrick Jones II this offseason.
Originally from Nigeria, Umanmielen attended high school in Manor, Texas. He began his career at Florida and picked up 98 tackles, 15 sacks, and three forced fumbles in four years. His goal was to notch double-digit sacks in a single season, so he transferred to Ole Miss for his final year and did just that.
While there he picked up 37 tackles and a forced fumble. More importantly for the pass-rusher, he finished with 10.5 sacks.
View photos of edge rusher Princely Umanmielen during his years at Ole Miss, drafted by Carolina in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Mississippi defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) is seen during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Mississippi won 28-10. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) lines up against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) sets up for a play against Florida during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Mississippi defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) tackles Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff (12) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Oxford, Miss. Kentucky won 20-17. (AP Photo/Randy J. Williams)
Mississippi defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) rushes blocked by Duke wide receiver James Hopson II (10) during the second half of the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough) in action against Duke, during the second half of the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Mississippi defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) waits for the snap against Duke, during the second half of the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Mississippi defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) lines up against Wake Forest during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Winston-Salem, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Mississippi defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) rushes against Duke, during the second half of the Gator Bowl NCAA college football game in Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Mississippi linebacker TJ Dottery (6) knocks the ball out of the hands of Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green (10) in the end zone during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. The fumble was recovered for a touchdown by Mississippi defensive end Princely Umanmielen. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Mississippi defensive end Princely Umanmielen (1) tries to get past Arkansas offensive lineman E'Marion Harris (76) during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
