Report: Panthers ‘open to sliding back a few spots’ in first round

For several weeks, there’s been a lot of speculation that the Carolina Panthers will trade down in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft. We can’t always take draft rumors seriously, but in this case there appears to be some fire underneath all that smoke.

According to a report by Ian Rapoport at NFL Network, the team is open to sliding back a few spots in the first round.

In the Top 10, there will be ample opportunities to move: I’m told the #Panthers are among the teams open to sliding back a few spots if someone came up for a QB or tackle or CB. They are currently at No. 7. Should be some action early.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 22, 2020

Moving down makes sense for the Panthers on a number of levels. First, there’s only a few true blue-chip defensive prospects in this class. The odds that either Jeff Okudah, Isaiah Simmons or Chase Young are going to be available at No. 7 are relatively low. The same is true for the top quarterback prospects, Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa.

Carolina also has a ton of roster holes to fill, so adding more draft capital is the right move in general. Marty Hurney might even want to consider moving down multiple times.