Carolina Panthers Mock Draft: TDN predicts major move of trading down

Carolina Panthers, Javon Kinlaw #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
Carolina Panthers, Javon Kinlaw #3 of the South Carolina Gamecocks (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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A recent mock draft by The Draft Network has the Carolina Panthers trading down from the No. 7 overall pick to No. 11 in the 2020 NFL Draft,

There has been much speculation, rumors, and a plethora of mock drafts out as the 2020 NFL Draft is on the horizon. The Carolina Panthers currently have the No. 7 overall pick as it would be wise they spent it on upgrading their defense. As of right now, they have some serious needs to address on their defensive line, cornerback, and even at linebacker.

It would make sense as the Panthers are rebuilding now for a brighter future, that they consider trading down in this year’s draft. Such a move would still get them a very good defensive player but more importantly, have them acquire more draft picks to work with. Any team that is rebuilding would be wise to acquire as many draft picks as possible so it helps them become contenders again sooner rather than later.

A recent mock draft by The Draft Network written by Benjamin Solak paints a very interesting picture of what the Panthers could ultimately end up doing. In Solak’s mock draft, he has the Panthers trading down from the No. 7 overall pick to No. 11 and adding another draft pick to their arsenal.

The Carolina Panthers make out as winners trading down in NFL Draft

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In this mock draft trade, the Panthers exchange picks with the New York Jets and get another second-round pick at No. 120. When the Panthers are on the clock, they end up drafting defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw out of South Carolina.

For what it’s worth, Kinlaw would be an upgrade on the Panthers’ defensive line as he’s considered one of the best in his positional group of this year’s draft. Kinlaw is a defensive workhorse and will make a name for himself the moment he enters the pro scene.

At 6-5 and 324lbs, he has the strength to be a high-producing defensive tackle that uses raw speed and power to bulldog offensive linemen with precision. Even though many fans would love to see the Panthers land defensive tackle Derrick Brown out of Auburn instead, Kinlaw would be a suitable replacement.

If such a move did happen for the Panthers, there is no shot at all that Brown would still be available when they pick at No. 11. Anything, of course, can and will happen when it comes to the NFL Draft but Brown is considered to be the top defensive prospect of the entire draft and rightfully so. He’ll more than likely be gone within the first five picks in the draft order.

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Overall, this recent mock draft by The Draft Network could very well be one of the routes the Panthers possibly take. Not for nothing, it would be a smart move in the grand scheme of things since it would still address a major need on the Panthers’ defensive line but also give them another draft pick to work with in the second round. This is key for rebuilding the right way through the draft so hopefully, in two to three years, the Panthers are ready to make some serious noise again.