After months of speculation, Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and the NFL world turns its eyes to the second and third rounds. The 2025 class is considered by many to have solid depth at several positions, with a host of starting-caliber players available on Day 2.
One of those players is Texas A&M’s Nic Scourton, fancied to be one of the first pass rushers off the board once proceedings resume in Green Bay. With several teams in need of some help when it comes to rushing the passer, we take a look at Scourton’s potential landing spots.
Best Potential Landing Spots for Nic Scourton
Nic Scourton might be the most aesthetically pleasing pass rusher in the class. He’s wise beyond his years regarding his arsenal of rush moves, and his well-developed frame is NFL-ready despite only being 20 years old. Unfortunately, gaining unnecessary weight for the 2024 season likely hurt his NFL Draft stock.
That could be a blessing in disguise for one NFL team, though, as Scourton slipped out of the first round despite some projecting him into the top 32. With several intriguing potential landing spots, Scourton could be a steal in the second round of the draft.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots’ pass rush was abysmal in 2024, finishing dead last in sacks (28) and 29th in pressure rate (17.6%), despite blitzing at the 14th-highest rate in the league (25.4%).
The team’s need to protect 2024 third overall pick Drake Maye took precedence in the first round, but the team’s defensive line will likely be a priority on Day 2. The Patriots head into the second round holding the 38th overall pick, sixth on the day, putting them in a good position to land Scourton if he’s on their board.
Having added defensive tackle Milton Williams and edge rusher Harold Landry, Scourton could complete a full revamp of the Patriots’ defensive line in 2025.
New Orleans Saints
If the Patriots pass on Scourton, the New Orleans Saints could have a chance to snap him up just two picks later. The Saints also struggled to rush the passer in 2024, finishing in the bottom half in sacks (39), and the bottom 10 in sack percentage (6.2%) and tackles for loss (77).
The Saints have taken an early shot on an edge rusher in every other draft this decade. 2021 first-round pick Payton Turner is now on the Dallas Cowboys, while 2023 second-round pick Isaiah Foskey is yet to make good on his potential.
Picking Scourton in the second round this year would continue that trend, though the team would hope for better results. A 35-year-old Cam Jordan started 17 games in 2024, but he won’t be around forever.
Indianapolis Colts
If the Saints also look elsewhere, the Indianapolis Colts could be an option, a further five picks later. The Colts’ pass rush finished the 2024 season with the tenth-lowest pressure rate (20.8%) and seventh-fewest sacks (36 – tied) in the NFL. The team then lost Dayo Odeyingbo in free agency; the Colts’ 2021 second-round pick played 17 games last season, starting 14.
The Colts will hope to get more out of 2024 first-round pick Laiatu Latu in 2025, but Scourton should nevertheless be able to contribute from Day 1. The veteran core of the Indianapolis defense is still in place, making it a great environment for a young player to step in and learn from some of the best.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are more of a wildcard when it comes to Scourton. The Panthers need defensive help as much as any team in the league, but with their first Day-2 pick not coming until 57, they may miss out on the Texas A&M product. The NFL Draft continues to surprise, though, and there is always the chance of a trade or two, so I’ve included Carolina here.
The Panthers’ pass rush registered the league’s lowest pressure rate in 2024 (16.2%), and only two teams managed fewer sacks (32). The Panthers allowed the most points in the NFL last season, something that needs to change if the team is to be competitive any time soon. Having added Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown III to their interior defensive line, drafting an athletic edge rusher could transform the team’s pass rush in 2025.
With Jaycee Horn and Derrick Brown both signing extensions in the last 13 months, the Panthers are in the process of building a competitive defense. Drafting wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan in the first round should allow the team to continue that defensive build on Day 2.
