The Carolina Panthers own seven picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. They are scheduled to have zero in the first and sixth rounds, two in the second and fifth rounds, and one in the third, fourth, and seventh rounds.
Here are three scenarios for Carolina as they look to reconfigure their current slate of picks.
Panthers Package Two Second-Round Picks to Trade Up
Carolina’s first two draft picks are No. 33 and No. 39 overall. The Panthers could draft a player like Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy or Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey (both have been heavily linked to Carolina) with those picks.
“I think top to bottom, this is a really deep wide receiver class.” – #Panthers OC Brad Idzik on the draft class.
Idzik said Nate Carroll, Rob Moore and Mike Bercovici have done a good job of breaking down the class.
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) April 16, 2024
However, the Panthers could also package those two picks in the second round and trade into the first round. The Panthers infamously parted with their 2024 first-round pick during last year’s trade with the Chicago Bears.
Carolina could look to strike a deal with the Green Bay Packers (No. 25) or the Buffalo Bills (No. 28), especially if they determine that they value a particular player who might be available when they pick in the second round.
Turning Current Draft Capital into Future Draft Capital
The Panthers could also turn this year’s picks into capital for next year. For example, Dan Morgan and company could dictate that there is better depth at a position of need in next year’s draft class than this year’s.
The Panthers could use their two fifth-round picks, the fourth-round pick, and the seventh-round pick to land higher picks in the 2025 or 2026 drafts.
Panthers Sit Tight With 2024 Picks
The Panthers may sit tight with their current slate of picks, opting against any major trades (or making no trades at all). Carolina has several positions of need, including wide receiver and virtually any position on the offensive line. It would not be shocking if the Panthers focus all their picks on skill positions, cornerback, and the offensive line in this upcoming NFL Draft.
Verdict
A future trade consisting of draft capital is not out of the question for this franchise. After all, anything can happen in the NFL. it is the NFL anything can happen). They could be particularly active if given an opportunity to trade up into the first round or address multiple areas of need.
Teams with multiple first round picks: Bears (1, 9), Cardinals (4, 27), Vikings (11, 23)
Teams with no first round pick: Browns, Panthers, Texans
Most Top 100 picks: Cardinals and Commanders (6)
Most overall picks: Cardinals, Rams, Packers (11)
Fewest overall picks: Bears (4)
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 11, 2024
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