Hello CSR! We’re finally to the last week of the 2025 preseason, as the Panthers do their semi-regular dance with the Pittsburgh Steelers to close out the preseason. It sounds like the Panthers will not be playing a ton of their starters this week on either side of the ball, despite a pretty hard to watch showing against the Houston Texans last week. Still, there’s plenty we can glean from the parts of the defense that do play, as we examine the back end of the roster this week. Let’s dive in.
Lathan Ransom please step up
The safety battle opposite Tre’Von Moehrig still seems to be relatively up in the air at this point in the off-season, but so far I’ve been pretty impressed with 5th round pick Lathan Ransom in his time with the backups. I really think if there’s a week for someone other than Nick Scott to take that starting role, its this week. Ransom does present a similar skillset to Moehrig as a more run forward defender, but I think the two could compliment each other quite well in this defense since Carolina refuses to go get a real free safety. Ransom is my number one player to watch on Thursday.
Linebackers please step up
Currently, 2024 rookie Trevin Wallace and 2025 free agent acquisition Christian Rozeboom are going to be the two starters at interior linebacker. I don’t see that changing aside from a freak injury. However, this game should be a showcase for whoever will be the ever important depth behind them, or show us the Panthers really need to add a name there. Claudin Cherelus, Jacoby Windmon, Bam Martin-Scott, Jon Rhattigan, and more have a chance to set themselves apart for the depth conversation. Go get it, dawgs.
Corey Thornton and Trevian Thomas showcase
The Panthers have a lot of young names in the cornerback room behind starters Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. I expect Chau Smith-Wade has basically locked down the 3rd role in this room, but behind him remains a lot of potential and things to work out. Corey Thornton has mostly been the talk of the town as far as young depth pieces, and for good reason, but Trevian Thomas has also quietly made a case to make this roster in his play with the 2s and 3s. Keep an eye on those guys.
Who are you watching in the Panthers final preseason game?
