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In the heart of a championship rebuild, the Carolina Panthers may have just found their defensive spark in Round 4. With the 122nd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Carolina selected Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom—a name that might not have headlined the first day, but one that could end up defining this draft class.
A Gritty Defender with Big-Game Pedigree
Ransom brings more than stats to Carolina—he brings scars and steel. The Tucson l, Arizona native racked up 226 tackles, six forced fumbles, and three interceptions across five seasons with the Buckeyes, capping off his college career with a national title in January. But his story goes deeper. After suffering a brutal leg injury in the 2022 Rose Bowl, Ransom clawed his way back into the starting lineup and posted a career-high 75 tackles in 2024, earning All-Big Ten honors.
His defining moment? A seven-tackle, one-sack effort in the Buckeyes’ blowout win over No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl, where he helped hold one of the nation’s top offenses under 300 passing yards. “He plays like a veteran—diagnoses well, strikes with purpose,” CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso noted. “You want that kind of presence in your secondary.”
Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom (8) celebrates a defensive stop against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium during the Buckeyes' 24-10 win.© Adam Cairns / USA TODAY NETWORK
More Than a Safety—A Special Teams Weapon
Carolina didn’t just draft a safety—they got a difference-maker on special teams. Ransom blocked two punts in 2022, and his instincts in open space make him a natural for punt and kick coverage. With the Panthers looking to improve field position battles, this adds instant value.
He’ll now reunite with former high school teammate Bijan Robinson twice a year in the NFC South—only this time, Ransom’s trying to stop him.
Panthers Fans, Pay Attention
Don’t sleep on this pick. Ransom’s physicality, leadership, and resilience check every box the Panthers need as they continue reshaping their defense. This isn’t just a depth piece—it’s a potential starter in waiting.
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A Gritty Defender with Big-Game Pedigree
Ransom brings more than stats to Carolina—he brings scars and steel. The Tucson l, Arizona native racked up 226 tackles, six forced fumbles, and three interceptions across five seasons with the Buckeyes, capping off his college career with a national title in January. But his story goes deeper. After suffering a brutal leg injury in the 2022 Rose Bowl, Ransom clawed his way back into the starting lineup and posted a career-high 75 tackles in 2024, earning All-Big Ten honors.
His defining moment? A seven-tackle, one-sack effort in the Buckeyes’ blowout win over No. 1 Oregon in the Rose Bowl, where he helped hold one of the nation’s top offenses under 300 passing yards. “He plays like a veteran—diagnoses well, strikes with purpose,” CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso noted. “You want that kind of presence in your secondary.”
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Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom (8) celebrates a defensive stop against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium during the Buckeyes' 24-10 win.© Adam Cairns / USA TODAY NETWORK
More Than a Safety—A Special Teams Weapon
Carolina didn’t just draft a safety—they got a difference-maker on special teams. Ransom blocked two punts in 2022, and his instincts in open space make him a natural for punt and kick coverage. With the Panthers looking to improve field position battles, this adds instant value.
He’ll now reunite with former high school teammate Bijan Robinson twice a year in the NFC South—only this time, Ransom’s trying to stop him.
Panthers Fans, Pay Attention
Don’t sleep on this pick. Ransom’s physicality, leadership, and resilience check every box the Panthers need as they continue reshaping their defense. This isn’t just a depth piece—it’s a potential starter in waiting.
Related: Carolina Panthers trade up for Texas A&M's Nic Scourton in 2nd round of 2025 NFL Draft
Related: Carolina Panthers select explosive RB with 114th pick in 2025 NFL Draft
Related: Carolina Panthers select explosive RB with 114th pick in 2025 NFL Draft
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