Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen is ready to prove that he’s worth much more than the third-round pick that got him into the pros.
The rookie pass rusher spoke with reporters on Wednesday, following the team’s second outing of mandatory minicamp. Umanmielen was asked about the moment he received his draft call from the Panthers, specifically when he warned them that he’d have to “break their pockets” in three to four years.
“I just felt like I was a first-round talent, in my opinion. So, I was a little hot that I was sitting until the third round,” he stated, via Vashti Hurt of Carolina Blitz. “So it’s just proving myself right in the future. Just to come out here and put in the work just to show that I’m worth however much ‘breaking yo pockets’ is.”
Umanmielen, who recorded 10.5 sacks for Ole Miss in 2024, was projected by some as a first-round prospect. But despite the production and predictions, the first-team All-SEC member dropped all the way to the 77th overall slot.
He was asked if that adds some extra motivation.
“It does, for sure. Definitely,” Umanmielen replied. “Even though I was a little blowed up about it, I’m still grateful at the same time because it gives me something to work for.”
Keep those pockets ready, Carolina.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.