5 prospects in play if the Carolina Panthers trade down in Round 2

Joseph Ossai – DE/OLB (Texas)

If the Carolina Panthers do end up trading down from No. 39 and they are in a position to select the best player available, then Joseph Ossai comes into the equation. The Texas edge rusher is a physical specimen that has a lot of similar traits to that which the organization brought into the fold last year when Yetur Gross-Matos fell into their laps out of Penn State.

Although there is a notion that Ossai has yet to make full use of his outstanding athletic attributes, the player could become a force to be reckoned with in the pro ranks providing there is some further development from a coaching standpoint. However, his explosiveness, physicality, and big playmaking ability should ensure someone takes a chance on him early on Day 2.

The Panthers may have more pressing needs from the outside looking in. But if a prospect like Ossai is available at the right time where they think there might be some value, then it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them pull the trigger.

There wouldn’t be much in the way of pressure on Ossai to make an immediate contribution with the presence of Brian Burns, Haason Reddick, and Gross-Matos coming off the edge. Bringing the former Longhorn on board could see him become a valuable piece of the rotation from the word go and another impressive prospect to generate pressure in opposing backfields.