Carolina Panthers rookie Nic Scourton didn’t step aside and let the veterans speak. The rookie had a few things to say.
“Some guys got too big-headed and forgot what really goes on in the NFL,” Scourton said a day after the Panthers’ uninspiring 17-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers entered the NFC South matchup with wins in four of their past five games, putting them on the fringe of playoff contention. Then came Sunday’s stinker against a club on a four-game losing streak. Scourton felt it was his place to speak up.
Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has his back.
“This guy, he’s unbelievable,” Evero said during Thursday’s teleconference. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a player, especially at such a young age, play so hard.”
By continuing to play a bigger role since veteran Patrick Jones II was sidelined in October, Scourton (+5000) was tabbed as a candidate to claim the NFL defensive rookie of the year award, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Cleveland Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger (+160) is the sports-betting favorite to win the honor.
The Panthers (5-5) play at the Atlanta Falcons (3-6) on Sunday.
A second-round draft pick, Scourton enters Week 11 ranked second among all rookies with 20 quarterback pressures and 3.0 sacks. Ejiro compared him to San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman George Karlaftis, a 2022 all-rookie team member.
“When you work and prepare the way he does in the classroom, in the training room, in the weight room, on the practice field, obviously, you’re going to get better, and that’s what you’re seeing,” Evero said. “He was drafted in that position for a reason, and with his habits, he’s going to continue to improve, and so that’s what he’s done.”
#Panthers rookie Nic Scourton walks with purpose to Thursday’s #NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/OhKIVqvnrR
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 13, 2025
2025 NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year Odds
Here is a Week 11 look at the NFL’s winning odds for the 2025 defensive rookie of the year honor, according to FanDuel Sportsbook:
| Player | 2025 NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year Odds |
|---|---|
| Carson Schwesinger | +160 |
| Abdul Carter | +380 |
| Nick Emmanwori | +550 |
| Jihaad Campbell | +700 |
| Jalen Walker | +900 |
| Donovan Ezeiruaku | +1400 |
| Malaki Starks | +2200 |
| Xavier Watts | +2700 |
| Andrew Mukuba | +2700 |
| Mason Graham | +3000 |
| Derrick Harmon | +3000 |
| Mike Green | +5000 |
| Nic Scourton | +5000 |
| Will Johnson | +5000 |
| Teddye Buchanan | +5000 |
| Shemar Stewart | +6000 |
| James Pearce Jr. | +7500 |
| Tyleik Williams | +7500 |
| Jacob Parrish | +7500 |
| Deone Walker | +7500 |
| Jordan Burch | +10000 |
| Jahdae Barron | +10000 |
| Josaiah Stewart | +10000 |
| Billy Bowman Jr. | +10000 |
| Craig Woodson | +10000 |
| Jonas Sanker | +10000 |
*-Odds current at time of publication
