Trading Into the First Round is a Bad Idea for Carolina

Wide receiver is an obvious position of need for the Carolina Panthers heading into the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Although it’s unfortunate that the Panthers don’t own a first round selection, they do have two picks at the top of the second where they should still have several options to choose from.

With this receiver class being viewed as one of the best in years, there could be a fear that many of the top prospects at the position may not be available when the Panthers are on the clock at No. 33. 

This is why Brendan Donahue of Sharp Football Analysis has the Panthers trading up into the first round to select LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr., 21st overall. 

The 6-foot-5, 200-pound receiver went from being a depth piece to an absolute star overnight. After averaging 360 yards in his first two seasons, he broke out for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns on 68 catches in 2023. 

While Thomas Jr. and others are intriguing, it’s not worth moving up into the first round, in my opinion. For a team coming off a 2-15 season, you need as many picks as humanly possible. There’s no sense in trading up twelve spots for a receiver who may or may not pan out. 

Even if as many as six or seven receivers go in the first round, there will still be quality options on the board. Malachi Corley (Western Kentucky), Ricky Pearsall (Florida), Javon Baker (UCF), Xavier Worthy (Texas), Troy Franklin (Oregon), and Tez Walker (North Carolina) are just a few names that come to mind. 

If anything, Panthers GM Dan Morgan may even want to consider trading back and pick up additional picks. Having the 39th pick gives them that flexibility, especially if the board looks like it’s falling in their favor. 

Trading up for a player that has just one year of high level production is way too risky.