Hometown Hero Heads to Carolina: Texas A&M Star Nic Scourton Drafted 51st Overall, Set to Sign $8.6M Rookie Deal

Texas A&M edge rusher Nic Scourton’s football journey took a defining leap forward as he was selected 51st overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. A local standout who blossomed into one of the SEC’s most feared defensive disruptors, Scourton now finds himself on the brink of securing a life-changing $8.6 million rookie contract. For the young man from Bryan, Texas, the moment is both the culmination of years of determination and the beginning of a new challenge on the professional stage.

Scourton’s rise from local hero to NFL talent has captivated fans throughout Texas. A dominant force at Texas A&M, he made headlines in 2024 by leading the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss, anchoring a defense that frequently kept the Aggies in tight games. His mix of size, explosiveness off the edge, and high motor earned him the reputation as one of the most relentless defenders in college football.

After transferring to Texas A&M from Purdue ahead of the 2024 season, the 6-foot-4, 260-pound pass rusher wasted no time establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Aggies’ defense. Scourton’s impact was immediate, racking up double-digit sacks and regularly drawing double teams from opposing offensive lines. His breakout campaign made it increasingly clear that he was ready for the next level.

Scourton didn’t have to wait long on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. The Panthers, desperate to add some edge help and energy to their rebuilding defense, used their second-round pick to secure the versatile defender. Carolina scouts praised his raw athleticism and coachability—traits that make him a prime candidate to contribute early in his rookie season.

Scourton, surrounded by family and friends in his Texas hometown during the draft, fought back tears as his name was called. “It’s a blessing,” he said during a post-draft interview. “I’ve been dreaming about this moment since I was a kid. To go from the 979 (Bryan area code) to the NFL—it’s surreal. But I’m ready.”

According to league insiders, Scourton is poised to finalize a four-year rookie deal worth approximately $8.6 million, including a signing bonus in the neighborhood of $3 million. The Panthers are expected to officially announce the signing within the next 24 hours. Once the ink is dry, Scourton’s focus will shift entirely to earning his spot on the field.

The contract reflects not only his draft slot but the immense upside Carolina sees in him. With their defensive front undergoing a major rebuild, Scourton is expected to compete immediately for significant playing time. Whether as a starting outside linebacker or as a situational pass rusher, his speed and versatility will be put to the test early in his NFL journey.

The Panthers, under new head coach Dave Canales and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, are crafting a fast, aggressive defense built around pressure and speed. Scourton fits that vision like a glove. His ability to play with his hand in the dirt or stand up as a linebacker gives Evero flexibility to deploy him in a variety of looks.

Carolina’s defensive unit ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks in 2024, and the team made it clear heading into the draft that bolstering the pass rush was a priority. Scourton’s arrival adds a high-upside weapon to a unit that desperately needed one.

While he’s now a Panther, Scourton will always have the support of Aggieland behind him. Texas A&M fans flooded social media with congratulations, and several former teammates took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their pride. “Built different,” wrote one A&M defensive back. “They’re getting a monster.”

Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko also weighed in, calling Scourton “one of the most driven players I’ve ever coached” and saying he has “no doubt” the Panthers just drafted a future Pro Bowl-caliber defender.

As Scourton prepares to report to rookie minicamp, the expectations will only grow. But those who know him best say he’s ready for the challenge. Coaches point to his relentless film study habits, his discipline in the weight room, and his humility as reasons why he could quickly thrive in the NFL.