Panthers 7-round 2022 NFL mock draft: Major trade brings options
What direction could the Carolina Panthers go with their draft selections after the NFL Scouting Combine?
With the NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, the Carolina Panthers can now look ahead to free agency and the draft with plenty of new information acquired from prospects through interviews and position drills. With this information, general manager Scott Fitterer and his staff can begin the work of building their draft board.
This offseason is one of, if not, the most crucial for Panthers under owner David Tepper and head coach Matt Rhule. There is an incredible amount of pressure to turn things around in Carolina and, most importantly, find the successor to former franchise quarterback Cam Newton.
If Rhule is unable to find that successor, his time with the Panthers could come to an end sooner than later.
The Panthers have drafted well over the last two offseasons with the selections of cornerstone pieces such as cornerback Jaycee Horn, safety Jeremy Chinn, and defensive lineman Derrick Brown. However, with only one selection in the top-100 this time around, Fitterer will need to be smart with how they will approach the No. 6 overall selection.
Using the Draft Network’s mock machine, we took a look at which way the Panthers could go in this seven-round, post-combine mock draft.
Round No. 1 (Trade)
Carolina Panthers trade down from No. 6 overall
One of the best options for the Carolina Panthers in this year’s draft is to trade back from No. 6 to acquire more draft capital in a depth-heavy draft class. Knowing Fitterer’s background during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, the possibility is certainly on the table.
In this scenario, Fitterer can strike a deal with the New York Jets. This allows Carolina to move back only four spots in the draft order and gain much-needed capital in the second and third rounds while the Jets trade up for LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. with their second selection.
This scenario allows for Carolina to drop several spots while being in a position to select one of the top quarterbacks in what is considered a weak group this offseason. Trading back may also allow for the Panthers to acquire future starters on Day 2 of the NFL Draft in what is also considered a very depth-heavy draft class.