Ranking the 9 best Panthers draft options at No. 6 overall in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could trade back from No. 6
The Carolina Panthers are not blessed with much in the way of high-end draft capital in 2022. Trades for Sam Darnold mean the organization is without a second or third-round selection currently, although that could change if general manager Scott Fitterer receives a solid trade-down option from No. 6 overall.
Fitterer gained an incredible reputation for exceptional draft-board movement during his first season with the franchise. The Panthers were incredibly active throughout the 2021 process and landed the team with some exciting prospects who made eye-catching contributions over their opening seasons in a pro-environment.
Calls are probable being made as we speak to get the lay of the land regarding a trade down the pecking order. However, with no blue-chip quarterbacks entering the league this year, teams might be reluctant to make such a move unless they are absolutely convinced it can provide them with a game-changing presence in a position of need.
This is all about timing. And the Panthers have the option of sacrificing future picks to move into Day 2 at some stage if the right prospect is still sitting on the board.
This will be a fluid situation. But there is no doubt Fitterer will be fully prepared for every eventuality and it leaves plenty of hope within the team’s fanbase that the right decisions can be made in difficult circumstances.