Pair of DL prospects visit with Panthers on Thursday

This past week, the Carolina Panthers officially gave defensive tackle Derrick Brown a huge four-year, $96 million extension. But that might not be the only thing that the Pro Bowler is getting from the team.

He may also be getting some help—as Maason Smith and Ruke Orhorhoro, two of the 2024 draft’s top defensive lineman, appeared to have visited with the team on Thursday.

Looks like #LSU DT Maason Smith is in Charlotte visiting the #Panthers on a top 30 visit, per his IG. #KeepPounding

Smith (6’5” 1/8, 306 LBS) had 27 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss & 2.5 sacks in 2023. @LanceZierlein writes “Traits-based prospect with an exciting ceiling… pic.twitter.com/PQ09HQSR0R

— panthers.breakdown (@panthersbreakd) April 11, 2024

Looks like #Clemson DT Ruke Orhorhoro is in Charlotte for a top 30 visit with the #Panthers, per his IG. #KeepPounding

Orhorhoro (6’4”, 294 LBS) started 12 games in 2023 and had 25 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss & 5 sacks. He was awarded Third-team All-ACC in 2023 as well.… pic.twitter.com/IgfJpzBTsL

— panthers.breakdown (@panthersbreakd) April 11, 2024

Smith, a Houma, La. native, played his college ball at LSU from 2021 to 2023. There, he amassed 47 total tackles (9.5 for a loss), 6.5 sacks and two passes defensed.

The 6-foot-5, 306-pounder is just 21 years old and is currently projected to be taken as high as the third round.

His visiting buddy Orhorhoro hails from Lagos, Nigeria. He attended nearby Clemson University from 2019 to 2023.

Over that stay, he recorded 88 total tackles (25.5 for a loss), 12.0 sacks and nine passes defensed. He ended his tenure with a third-team All-ACC selection this past season.

Orhorhoro, 6-foot-4, 294 pounds, may also go as high as the third round.