The widespread consensus around the NFL is that the Carolina Panthers will either stay at No. 33 or trade down.
Moving up into the first round is not on most draft pundits’ radars, but R.J. White of CBS Sports envisions a scenario in which Carolina becomes proactive and goes up to choose Adonai Mitchell out of Texas.
“The Panthers are largely out of the mock draft conversation after trading their first-round pick to the Bears last year in order to move up for Bryce Young.” However, with two picks in the top 40, they are in a good position to move up for a receiver, and they may choose between Xavier Worthy’s speed and Mitchell’s larger size and all-around potential. They bump Detroit up four positions to No. 101, giving the Lions the first pick on the board and putting them in good position to field trade proposals on Days 2 and 3. If this mock continued beyond 32 picks, I would have them take Darius Robinson at No. 33.
Forking up only one pick in addition to No. 33 to move into the first doesn’t feel like a steep price tag. If they’re able to get that kind of a deal done, it’s worth the roll of the dice.
Mitchell logged 55 receptions for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior this past season. The prior two years at Georgia, he saw limited action, catching 38 passes for 560 yards and seven touchdowns.
