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Carolina Panthers: 4 bold predictions for the 2020 NFL Draft

By Dean Jones

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 22: Linebacker Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners speaks to the media after the game against the Army Black Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Black Knights 28-21 in overtime. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 22: Linebacker Kenneth Murray #9 of the Oklahoma Sooners speaks to the media after the game against the Army Black Knights at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. The Sooners defeated the Black Knights 28-21 in overtime. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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Carolina Panthers, General Manager Marty Hurney
(Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) Marty Hurney /

The Panthers will trade down twice in the first round

It appears evident that there is going to be a real scrap to secure a top-ten selection in the NFL Draft. There are plenty of quarterbacks that warrant this sort of attention. And the elite offensive line prospects are also going to be in high demand.

The Carolina Panthers are in a prominent position to perhaps trade down into the mid-teens, or possibly further, given their needs for substantial reinforcements. Such a move would undoubtedly give the organization a bounty of extra Draft picks that they could utilize both this year and next.

The franchise is currently in the midst of a significant roster overhaul after parting ways with veterans such as Cam Newton, Eric Reid, Gerald McCoy, and Dontari Poe in free agency. Talented cornerback James Bradberry will also need replacing after he signed a lucrative free-agent deal with the New York Giants.

This leaves the Panthers desperately short on defensive options going into 2020. They also need reinforcements on the offensive line interior after trading Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for left tackle Russell Okung.

Whether Okung is on the roster this time next year heading into the final season of his deal is also debatable. A contingency plan needs to be put in place for a long-term replacement. So a development tackle prospect may also be sought in the mid-rounds.

The Panthers also need a downhill runner to ease the burden on Christian McCaffrey, another receiver for added depth and new defensive lineman. Trading down twice in the first round would give them a multitude of extra selections to solve this problem.

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