The Carolina Panthers selected Georgia’s Trevor Etienne in the 2025 NFL Draft, adding a dynamic playmaker to their roster.

The 2025 NFL Draft was full of surprises, with teams making bold moves to secure the players who could help them build a successful future. One of the more exciting selections came when the Carolina Panthers picked Georgia’s Trevor Etienne, a dynamic running back, as part of their effort to strengthen their roster and reshape their offensive identity. Known for his explosive speed, vision, and ability to break through defenses, Etienne’s arrival in Carolina has generated a lot of excitement.

In this article, we’ll explore why the Panthers made this decision, what Etienne brings to the table, and how he fits into Carolina’s evolving roster as they look to build on their recent successes.

The Panthers’ Rebuilding Vision: A Fresh Start for the Future

The Carolina Panthers have been in a period of transition for several seasons, moving through various phases of rebuilding and retooling their roster. As they strive to re-establish themselves as contenders in the NFC South, the Panthers have been focusing on securing the right pieces to support their future offensive and defensive success. The 2025 NFL Draft was a crucial step in this process.

One of the key components of the Panthers’ plan was to solidify their offensive identity. After years of quarterback changes, coaching turnover, and roster reshuffling, it was clear that Carolina needed to make decisive moves to get their offense back on track. One of the most significant areas of focus was the running game. In a division that has been home to some of the NFL’s top defenses, having a reliable, dynamic running back is essential.

Trevor Etienne, a standout player from Georgia, emerged as a player who could fulfill this role. The Panthers, under head coach Frank Reich and general manager Scott Fitterer, saw Etienne as the perfect complement to their evolving offensive scheme. The addition of Etienne was seen as a strategic move to give Carolina both short-term gains and long-term stability in their running back position.

Why Trevor Etienne? A Look at His College Career

Before diving into how Etienne fits with the Panthers, it’s important to examine his college career at the University of Georgia, which was marked by consistent success and remarkable individual performance. Etienne’s rise through college football was one of steady improvement and impactful play, culminating in his status as one of the top running backs in the 2025 draft class.

College Stats and Accomplishments

Etienne’s time at Georgia was defined by his combination of size, speed, and football IQ. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing around 210 pounds, Etienne possesses a blend of physicality and agility that made him a major weapon for the Bulldogs. Over his three years at Georgia, Etienne rushed for over 3,000 yards, averaging over 6 yards per carry. His ability to break tackles, find seams, and accelerate through the second level of the defense made him one of the most dangerous running backs in the country.

One of Etienne’s defining traits was his consistency. Whether it was in crucial moments or during the regular season, Etienne was always at the forefront of Georgia’s offensive attack. In addition to his rushing yards, he also contributed significantly in the passing game, showcasing his ability as a versatile weapon who could catch passes out of the backfield. He was often deployed in the screen game or as an outlet option for Georgia’s quarterbacks, allowing him to showcase his ability to read defenses and make plays in open space.

His performances in key games, such as Georgia’s victories over top SEC opponents, cemented his status as one of the premier running backs in the nation. Moreover, Etienne’s ability to perform on big stages, including his play in the College Football Playoff, showed that he could handle the pressures of elite competition—something that would be invaluable in the NFL.

Scouting Reports and Strengths

Etienne’s draft stock only increased as scouts and analysts took a deeper look at his skills. Some of the standout qualities that led to the Panthers’ interest in Etienne include:

• Vision and Patience: Etienne demonstrated exceptional vision as a runner, waiting for holes to open up and allowing plays to develop before hitting the gas. His patience behind the line of scrimmage allowed him to find the best lanes, while his quick decision-making allowed him to exploit gaps as soon as they appeared.
• Speed and Agility: One of Etienne’s biggest assets is his acceleration. His ability to hit the second level of defenses with ease and his quick burst in open space were major assets that set him apart from other running backs in the draft. His ability to turn on the afterburners when breaking through the line makes him a true home run threat every time he touches the ball.
• Power and Balance: While Etienne is known for his speed, he also has a surprising amount of power for a player of his size. His lower body strength and balance allow him to push through arm tackles and fight for extra yards after contact.
• Receiving Ability: Etienne is a complete back, capable of catching passes out of the backfield. His ability to create mismatches against linebackers in coverage, paired with his sure hands, makes him a dual-threat option in the passing game. This versatility will make him even more valuable for Carolina’s offense, particularly in short-yardage and third-down situations.

How Etienne Fits the Panthers’ Offense

With the selection of Trevor Etienne in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers have added a versatile, explosive weapon to their offense. But how exactly does he fit into their scheme?

Building Around a Young Quarterback

One of the primary reasons the Panthers were so eager to add Etienne was to support their young quarterback, who is expected to lead the offense into the future. Whether they’ve recently drafted a rookie quarterback or are building with a developing signal-caller, having a dynamic running back like Etienne can ease the pressure on the quarterback by helping establish a strong ground game.

Etienne’s ability to gain yards after contact and make plays in the open field will make life easier for the Panthers’ young quarterback. The threat of a strong running game opens up play-action opportunities, which can help stretch the defense and create easier passing lanes for the quarterback. Moreover, Etienne’s dual-threat nature—running the ball and catching passes—allows the quarterback to rely on him for quick checkdowns or designed pass plays in the screen game.

Creating a Balanced Offense

In the NFL, success often depends on a balanced offensive attack that can both run the ball effectively and pass with precision. The Panthers have been focused on improving their offense under Frank Reich, and Etienne’s arrival is a step toward achieving that goal. By adding a dynamic back, the Panthers are positioning themselves to be more unpredictable and dangerous on offense.

Etienne’s ability to control the tempo of the game through his running style will allow Carolina to manage the clock and control field position. This will be especially important in tight games where possession of the ball can be a deciding factor. Whether it’s running between the tackles or bouncing outside on stretch plays, Etienne brings versatility that complements the rest of the Panthers’ offense.

The Panthers’ Committee Approach

Though Etienne will likely get a significant share of the carries, the Panthers are expected to maintain a committee approach at the running back position. This allows for fresh legs throughout the game, with multiple players contributing in different roles. Carolina has several capable running backs already on the roster, and Etienne’s arrival means that he will be able to work alongside other backs to wear down opposing defenses.

One aspect of Etienne’s fit that is particularly exciting is his ability to be deployed in various ways. Not only can he be used as a traditional running back, but he can also be a threat in short-yardage situations and in the passing game. Whether he’s running the ball out of a shotgun formation, working in an I-formation, or catching a screen pass in the flat, Etienne will have ample opportunities to impact the game.

A Promising Future for the Panthers

The selection of Trevor Etienne in the 2025 NFL Draft is just the latest move in the Panthers’ broader effort to return to relevancy and compete for championships in the coming years. With Etienne’s blend of size, speed, and skill, the Panthers now have an exciting piece to build around on offense. His ability to be a workhorse back while also contributing in the passing game gives the Panthers another dimension that they’ve been missing in recent seasons.

The future for Carolina looks bright, and with Etienne in the fold, the Panthers have added another explosive playmaker to their roster. Fans can expect to see Etienne’s skills on display as he develops into one of the top running backs in the league. The journey for the Panthers may still be in its early stages, but the selection of Trevor Etienne marks an important step forward in their pursuit of greatness.