Three of Texas A&M’s starting defensive linemen last season were selected in the first two rounds of the 2024 NFL draft, including Nic Scourton, who was picked 51st overall by the Carolina Panthers. Scourton’s first two college seasons were in the Big Ten with the Purdue Boilermakers, where he recorded 10 sacks during his 2023 sophomore season.
While his sacks (5) decreased during his lone season in College Station, Scourton’s size, strength, and relentless play aided the Aggies in run defense, but his play weight last season may have hindered his ability to rush the passer at a more successful rate. During the NFL Combine, Scourton dropped a significant amount of weight, which led to his impressive performance during the drills.
Now lighter, faster, and likely more confident, Scourton will enter training camp with the Panthers with eyes on earning a starting spot on defense, which become a potential reality after it was announced that veteran pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney was released on Thursday morning. Scourton, who could have been selected even higher, is more than ready to prove that he belongs in the starting lineup.
With Clowney’s release, Scourton is now predicted to be the Panther’s starting strongside linebacker, as he will be utilized as a pass rusher as well as a run stuffer, and with the lighter build, I fully expect him to make progress throughout his rookie season.
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