The Carolina Panthers made a major splash in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, snagging one of the most explosive weapons available. With the 114th overall pick, Carolina selected Georgia running back Trevor Etienne, a dynamic playmaker many expected to be long gone by the time they were on the clock. When Etienne was still available, General Manager Dan Morgan and the front office didn’t hesitate — and they might have just landed a game-changer.
Etienne, standing 5-foot-9 and weighing 210 pounds, might not be the biggest back, but he’s pure electricity. At the NFL Combine, he turned heads with a blazing 4.42-second 40-yard dash, confirming what everyone saw during his college career: he’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball. During a standout 2024 season at Georgia, Etienne routinely torched defenses, including a three-touchdown performance against No. 1 Texas and a 122-yard outing to seal an SEC Championship rematch win.
The Panthers desperately needed an injection of explosiveness after a sluggish 2024 season, where they ranked near the bottom of the league in yards per play. Etienne’s arrival promises to change that. His breakaway speed, agility in tight spaces, and ability to contribute as a receiver make him a perfect weapon for head coach Dave Canales’ evolving offense.
But Etienne isn’t just an on-field marvel. After transferring from Florida to Georgia, he quickly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches with his work ethic, leadership, and infectious personality. “You’re like the first person to walk in this building, and just like, I think everyone likes you,” Georgia teammate Tate Ratledge once said. That locker-room presence is exactly what the Panthers need as they rebuild their culture from the ground up.
Injuries — including shoulder and rib issues — did sideline Etienne briefly last season, but he showed grit and toughness, grinding out critical yards in high-pressure moments. That resilience only adds to his value as a player who won’t back down when it matters most.
This pick isn’t just about adding depth; it’s about swinging for upside. Trevor Etienne brings a rare blend of home-run speed, reliable hands, and proven production in big games — exactly what the Panthers have been missing.
Charlotte, get ready — Trevor Etienne is coming, and he’s bringing plenty of fireworks with him.