4 trades the Carolina Panthers could make during the 2022 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could trade down from No. 6 overall
Obviously, the Carolina Panthers will explore all available options from No. 6 overall. They have a tremendous chance to solidify the problematic left tackle position with an elite prospect, but those in power could also take this opportunity to select a potential franchise signal-caller of the future if they feel one individual is worthy of a top-10 pick.
The Panthers have also been discussing the possibility of trading down from No. 6 overall, according to Mike Giardi of the NFL Network. This would replace some of the lost capital Carolina gave up in the Sam Darnold and C.J. Henderson deals last year.
"“Important to note that, per league sources, the Panthers have talked to numerous teams about moving back from 6 (they don’t have another pick until #137). Picking a QB in top 10 might be too much but picking one in the mid first is more palatable and gets them more draft capital.”"
Passing on someone like Evan Neal, Ikem Ekwonu, or Charles Cross in favor of a trade-down would be a gamble by the Panthers. Especially considering how much the team has struggled to find blindside consistency since Jordan Gross retired.
Trading back would potentially allow Carolina to select a couple of high-end players at problem positional groups rather than secured one gifted prospect and wait around until Day 3. Something that would be very out of character for Scott Fitterer.