3 ideal draft scenarios for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers trade down for substantial draft capital
Considering how much dealing general manager Scott Fitterer did during an impressive first draft in the role last year, the Carolina Panthers could well be on the lookout for more in the way of ammunition by trading down from No. 6 overall. Much will depend on how the board plays out, but it is something that the front office will undoubtedly consider if the right opportunity comes along.
Even though the Panthers would be wise to go down this route if the top tackles are off their list of possibilities, the lack of true franchise quarterbacks in this year’s class makes it extremely difficult to find a willing suitor. Teams will be reluctant to surge up with no sure thing available, which bears more significance when one considers just how deep the 2023 group of signal-callers is set to be.
According to Pro Football Focus, nobody got more out of their draft-day trades than Fitterer in 2021. So if anyone can convince another team to part ways with draft capital, it’s him.
Fitterer comes from the Seattle Seahawks, who were renowned for trading back often throughout his time with the organization. A mindset he clearly brought to Carolina if his early efforts are any indication.
This will be easier said than done, obviously. But if Fitterer manages to get a nice haul for the No. 6 overall selection and boost their team’s chances of adding more quality, then it might be better off in the long run.