Panthers expected to select ‘dominant’ hometown prospect to team up with Derrick Brown

Carolina focuses on addressing the need at defensive tackle locally

Update on the Carolina Panthers’ offseason needs. There’s a long list of positions that the team will have to address—starting safeties, cornerback and linebacker depth, edge rusher, wide receiver, tight end, nose tackle, another running back, and more. However, one of the biggest priorities should be securing a legitimate starter to line up next to Derrick Brown on the defensive line.

In a recent seven-round 2025 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Network, the Panthers address their defense early, selecting edge rusher James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee with the eighth overall pick. Then, in the second round, Panthers GM Dan Morgan strengthens the interior by picking T.J. Sanders, a defensive tackle from South Carolina, at No. 58.

PFN’s Selection of T.J. Sanders for the Panthers

According to PFN, “If the Panthers come away with James Pearce Jr. and TJ Sanders, they’ll be primed for a massive defensive jump in 2025.” Sanders is a highly promising prospect—standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 300 pounds—who showed a lot of potential in college, with 9.5 sacks, 18 tackles for a loss, and six pass breakups in 39 games for the South Carolina Gamecocks.

T.J. Sanders highlights

The scouting report from Bleacher Report highlights Sanders’ explosive get-off, length, hand usage, and his violent approach at the point of attack. However, he does have some areas for improvement, particularly in his conditioning and lateral movement.

Currently, Sanders is often mocked in the second round, with a typical projection around the 55th overall pick. While it’s no guarantee he will still be available when the Panthers pick, it’s certainly a possibility worth considering.

More news……

Brady Hunt Rejoins Garnet Trust, confirming his return to South Carolina Football

In a significant development for South Carolina football, Brady Hunt, a 6-foot-5, 253-pound tight end, has signed a new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deal with the Gamecocks’ official collective, The Garnet Trust, ensuring his return to the program for the upcoming season.

Hunt, who transferred to South Carolina from Ball State last offseason, was part of the Gamecocks’ three-man tight end rotation in 2024 alongside Joshua Simon and Michael Smith. He made valuable contributions during the season, recording two receptions for 22 yards, including a key first-down grab late in the victory over Missouri. Known for his versatility both as a blocker and a receiver, Hunt is expected to take on an even larger role next season, especially with Simon having exhausted his eligibility.

Before joining South Carolina, Hunt had an impressive 2022 season at Ball State, where he caught 46 passes for 498 yards and five touchdowns. His strong performance at Ball State and subsequent transfer to the Gamecocks highlight his potential to become a key player in South Carolina’s offensive game plan.

This new NIL deal underscores the Gamecocks’ commitment to player retention, with The Garnet Trust playing a crucial role in securing such agreements. Retaining players like Hunt is essential for the program’s continued success, and head coach Shane Beamer has stressed the importance of building strong relationships and maintaining open communication to keep the team unified and motivated.