The Carolina Panthers have made a bold move to solidify their defensive front. With the selection of Cam Jackson in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, they have added an imposing and versatile defensive tackle from Florida. Jackson stands out not just for his massive frame but also his rare agility, making him a key addition as the Panthers look to rebuild last year’s struggling defense.

Cam Jackson: A Big Addition With Big Potential

Cam Jackson measures an impressive 6-foot-6 and 328 pounds. He excels at holding his ground in the trenches, freeing up linebackers and helping to anchor the defensive line. Panthers general manager Dan Morgan emphasized Jackson’s size and mobility. “He takes up a lot of room, occupies a lot of blocks, and keeps our linebackers free,” Morgan noted. Despite his size, Jackson moves well along the line, able to make plays out on the perimeter.

His journey started at Memphis, where he made 51 tackles and 2.5 sacks in three seasons. After transferring to Florida, Jackson continued to impress, amassing 69 tackles, four passes defended, and 1.5 sacks in just two years. His consistent production at both programs highlights his adaptability and growth as a defensive player.

Reinforcing a Reshaped Defensive Front

The Panthers’ defense needed help after giving up record-setting points and struggling against the run in 2024. Management responded by adding not only Cam Jackson but also free agent pickups like Bobby Brown III and Tershawn Wharton. These moves are part of a determined effort to fix the defense from front to back. The vision is clear—to create a competitive and flexible unit that can handle different offensive threats.

As detailed in the Panthers’ official announcement, Jackson provides much-needed size and versatility inside. Head coach Dave Canales explained that mixing different styles across the interior line helps unleash the coaching staff’s creativity. This flexibility will be crucial as they strive to find the best combinations throughout the season.

Evaluating Jackson’s Role and Upside

Cam Jackson is projected as a run-stopping anchor but also flashes athleticism that appeals to coaches. Sports Illustrated’s draft coverage described him as a “massive nose tackle” with long arms and heavy hands. His potential is clear, especially when evaluating his best film—Jackson can disrupt single blockers and excels when focused on smaller areas of containment. While his pass rush is still developing, improved technique could help. The Panthers see him as a reliable two-down player, but one with room to grow into a larger role as he refines his skills.

Part of the Panthers’ Draft-Day Makeover

Jackson’s selection was one piece of a broader strategy for Carolina. The team used draft capital, accrued from trades like the Brian Burns deal, to strengthen multiple positions. As outlined in Yahoo Sports’ breakdown, these maneuvers allowed the Panthers to address urgent roster holes and increase competition at key spots, including defensive tackle.

Looking Ahead: Impact on the 2025 Season

With Cam Jackson joining a retooled defensive front, Panthers fans can expect a tougher and more resilient unit this season. Jackson’s size and skill set are just what the defense needs to redirect the narrative and stop opposing running backs in their tracks. As he further develops his pass rush, the Panthers’ fifth-round pick may prove to be one of the most impactful additions from the 2025 class.

Excited to watch Cam Jackson and the new-look Panthers defense in action? Stay tuned for more updates as the season approaches, and check out the official Panthers pages and trusted sources for ongoing news!