Panthers Trade Up for Top Safety or Linebacker

0:00On April 4th, the Carolina Panthers sit at the 19th pick in this year's NFL Draft, and they're likely to miss out on the top defensive talents. Like Rubin Bain Jr., Sunny Styles, and Caleb Downs, who could all go in the top 10. General manager Dan Morgan has a history of wheeling and dealing, moving up and down the board in his first two years, so staying put might not be the plan. The Cleveland Browns, holding the 6th spot, just signaled they're open to trading down, just like they did last year when they slid from 2nd to 2nd. 5th and scored a solid haul, including a future first rounder from Jacksonville. If the Panthers swing a deal to jump up there, they could target safety Caleb Downs, the class's top prospect, despite a knee concern, or linebacker. Sunny Styles, a combine standout with perfect tackling tape until late in the season. Either one transforms their secondary or linebacker spot way more than patching in 19, keeping Carolina's defense elite without waiting on the board to fall their way.