The NFL Draft is a chess match, and Carolina Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan has shown he's not afraid to make a bold move. In his very first draft at the helm in 2024, he traded up into the back of the first round to snag wide receiver Xavier Legette. Over his two drafts, he's executed six in-draft trades, proving he values flexibility and aggression. With the 2026 draft approaching, all signs point to the Panthers being active on the phone lines once again. Will they move up for a blue-chip talent, or trade back to accumulate more picks? Let's explore three scenarios for each direction.
First, the trade-up possibilities. Imagine the Panthers packaging their 19th overall pick with the 51st selection and a future third-rounder to jump all the way up to the Washington Commanders' spot at No. 7. For a Commanders team with limited early-round capital, adding multiple picks could be tempting. For Carolina, it's a chance to secure a franchise cornerstone. At that premium spot, targets could include a game-changing weapon like wide receiver Carnell Tate, a dominant lineman in Francis Maugioa, or a defensive anchor like edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr.
Another intriguing partner could be the Miami Dolphins at pick No. 11. With a new regime initiating a rebuild, the Dolphins might prioritize stockpiling draft assets. Moving up here would still put the Panthers in range for elite talent, such as dynamic pass-catchers Jordyn Tyson or Makai Lemon, or a top-tier defensive back like cornerback Mansoor Delane.
Finally, a leap into the late teens with a team like the Baltimore Ravens at No. 17 could be a strategic play. The Ravens' front office is known for its savvy, and if a specific player the Panthers covet starts to slide, a modest move up could secure him. This scenario would require less draft capital surrender while still targeting a high-impact player.
On the flip side, trading down could be equally strategic. If the board doesn't break their way at No. 19, the Panthers could move back a handful of spots, pick up an extra Day 2 selection, and still target a high-upside player. This approach aligns with building depth across the roster, a constant need in the competitive NFC South.
A second trade-down scenario could involve moving further back into the late 20s. This would be a clear accumulation strategy, aiming to turn one first-round pick into multiple selections in the second and third rounds. For a team looking to inject youth and competition at several positions, this path offers quantity without a drastic drop in quality in what projects to be a deep draft class.
The most dramatic move would be trading out of the first round entirely. While unlikely, if a team is desperate to get back into the first round for a quarterback or other premium position, the Panthers could command a massive haul of future picks. This would be a long-term play, banking on Morgan's ability to hit on those additional selections in future drafts to build a sustained contender.
Whether moving up, down, or standing pat, Dan Morgan's history suggests the Panthers' war room will be a hub of activity. Each path offers a different route to building a winner, and the decision will define the next chapter for Carolina football.