Carolina Panthers: Is CB Kristian Fulton a trade-down option?

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Cornerback Kristian Fulton #1 of the LSU Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Cornerback Kristian Fulton #1 of the LSU Tigers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Kristian Fulton, Carolina Panthers
(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) Kristian Fulton /

Is Fulton a good option for the Panthers?

Kristian Fulton has the potential to be an outstanding cornerback at the next level. He excels in man-coverage and would fill the void left by James Bradberry with the Carolina Panthers.

The prospects performed incredibly well in press coverage thanks to his strong upper-body frame. He ended his college career on a high with the Tigers’ on his way to 28 combined tackles, 14 pass deflections, and one interception in 2019.

Fulton’s stock is higher than anticipated coming into the NFL Draft. He does need to work on certain areas of his game in order to get the most out of his ability. But if he can improve his footwork, ability to reach for the ball at its highest point, and zone coverage then someone is going to have a real player on their hands.

The Panthers are on the lookout for cornerback options and Fulton has the upside needed to potentially shut down one side of the field in the years to come. He would have to learn the hard way in Carolina given their lack of depth at the position.

Rookie cornerbacks do tend to struggle in their first year in the pros. This would be especially evident in the NFC South, which boasts some prolific offensive schemes that would undoubtedly target those with little experience.

Providing not too much pressure is placed on Fulton during the early stages of his development, then he represents a good value pick anywhere out of the top-15.

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Carolina’s decision-makers have plenty of moves to make in the hours and days ahead. If they opt for a trade down, then Fulton should be high on their shortlist.