The Carolina Panthers have made a strategic move in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting standout safety Lathan Ransom with the No. 122 overall pick. Ransom, known for his physical play and leadership at Ohio State, brings a new level of grit and determination to Carolina’s secondary.

Lathan Ransom’s Impact at Ohio State

During his tenure with the Buckeyes, Lathan Ransom built a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in college football. Over five seasons and 56 appearances, he tallied 227 tackles—including 142 solo stops—along with 18 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Despite overcoming several injuries, Ransom’s resilience and dedication shine through in his play. These qualities did not go unnoticed by his teammates and coaches. Former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles praised Ransom’s perseverance, saying, “That’s just a guy you always pull for because he’s experienced both ends of it.” Read more about Ransom’s path at Eleven Warriors.

Ransom’s relentless energy and ability to deliver game-changing plays made him instrumental in Ohio State’s push for a national championship. He earned first-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American honors and contributed on special teams, adding blocked punts to his résumé.

Why the Panthers Chose Lathan Ransom

The Panthers targeted Ransom to bolster their defensive backfield, an area that saw significant turnover in the offseason. General Manager Dan Morgan emphasized the need for impact players in the secondary. With Ransom’s aggressive tackling and versatile coverage skills, Carolina now has a player capable of helping both against the run and in pass coverage. According to the Panthers’ official announcement, Ransom’s college stats speak volumes:

• 76 tackles, 9 for loss, in his final college season
• First-team All-Big Ten, third-team All-American honors
• Three forced fumbles, two pass break-ups, and an interception

His performance in big games and on special teams is a testament to his football IQ and dedication. The Panthers hope he will quickly adapt and earn snaps within a talented, but evolving, defensive unit.

A Perfect Fit for Ejiro Evero’s Defense

The arrival of Lathan Ransom gives Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero a dynamic weapon. Ransom’s physical style, anticipation, and coverage instincts are expected to elevate Carolina’s defense. He can play deep safety or move into the slot if needed, giving Evero flexibility when deploying different defensive packages. Local analysis from Cat Crave suggests Ransom’s addition is another key piece in the Panthers’ offseason overhaul and puts pressure on the defensive staff to deliver results.

Ransom is not the most fluid athlete among safeties, but few question his heart or intensity. Analysts highlight his violent, downhill tackling and his ability to diagnose plays before they unfold. While there are minor injury risks, the team’s confidence in their medical evaluations made this selection a calculated investment.

What’s Next for Lathan Ransom and the Panthers?

Lathan Ransom enters a Panthers defense with open competition in the secondary. He’ll start behind Tre’von Moehrig—established as the top safety—but has a clear opportunity to compete for key reps. His background as a leader and his special teams prowess will help him carve out an immediate role. As the Panthers continue to rebuild and set their sights on defensive improvement, Ransom stands as a symbol of toughness, perseverance, and the hunger to prove himself at the next level.

With his high football IQ and relentless work ethic, fans and analysts alike should watch for Lathan Ransom to make an early impact in Carolina. To see more about his college journey and what he brings to the Panthers, visit the Panthers’ photo gallery and read in-depth draft analysis.

Summary: The Panthers’ selection of Lathan Ransom adds versatility and toughness to their secondary, signaling a new era for Carolina’s defense. Keep an eye on this former Buckeye as he transitions his physical game and leadership skills to the NFL stage.