5 prospects in play if the Carolina Panthers trade down in Round 2
By Dean Jones
What 2021 NFL Draft prospects could be in play for the Carolina Panthers if they decided to trade down from No. 39 overall in the second round?
The Carolina Panthers have plenty of options available during the 2021 NFL Draft now that they have secured their quarterback next season. Their bold move to acquire Sam Darnold from the New York Jets raised plenty of eyebrows across the league. But those in power within the organization must feel like the signal-caller can enjoy a new lease of life in a different environment.
It appears highly unlikely that the Panthers will allocate the No. 8 overall selection on a quarterback following this move, although general manager Scott Fitterer didn’t rule it out completely. Getting the right pieces around Darnold is going to be critical to his chances of being a success in Carolina and the team should do whatever they can to put the necessary talent in place coming from the college ranks this time around.
Carolina Panthers GM wants more draft capital.
Fitterer made no secret of his desire to accumulate more in the way of picks, which could mean a trade-down at some stage. With the prospect of Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater being around at No. 8, moving from No. 39 in the second round might give themselves some additional wiggle room if an enticing offer comes from elsewhere.
This is something well worth considering from Carolina’s perspective. Here are five prospects that could be in play for the Panthers if they trade down in Round No. 2.
Prospect No. 1
Kendrick Green – OG (Illinois)
If the Carolina Panthers move to the mid-to-low second round, then it could see them turn their attentions in the direction of Kendrick Green. The interior offensive lineman has seen his stock soar in recent months thanks to some exceptional displays after making the smoothest of transitions from defensive tackle at Illinois. So although some might consider it a reach, the talent is there for all to see.
Green has everything one looks for in a starting guard at the next level. He is a huge body that is incredibly difficult to move off the block and his technique has come on a significant amount in a short space of time after deciding to move spots.
He could still only be scratching the surface of what the prospect is capable of. Carolina has a real need to get better protection around Sam Darnold, so this is an option worth considering.