The Carolina Panthers are currently holding the eighth overall pick in this month’s NFL Draft, following a 5-12 finish last season, a significant improvement from their 2-15 record the year before.
While young quarterback Bryce Young has solidified his position as the starter moving forward, the Panthers’ defense ranked near the bottom in almost every major statistical category last season. With the eighth pick, Carolina is in an excellent position to select one of the top two edge rushers or defensive backs in the draft class.
However, with Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock reportedly slipping, many believe the Colorado quarterback could still be available when the Panthers are on the clock.
“For the first time in this entire process, dating back to our very first show on October 22nd,” said Todd McShay of The Ringer on The McShay Show. “I truly believe Shedeur Sanders is not gonna be a top-five pick.”
If Sanders doesn’t land in the top five, where could he go?
“If it’s not Cleveland at two, or the Giants at three,” McShay continued, “I don’t think it’s the Jets at seven or the Raiders at six… we’re sitting at pick eight, and Carolina’s there.”
What Would It Cost to Move Up to Eight?
In the NFL, there’s a well-established draft point chart that teams use to navigate trades. For example, the first overall pick is worth 3,000 points, while the 18th overall pick is valued at 900.
“When you’re trading up high into the top 10 and especially for a quarterback,” said McShay, “you’re basically a hostage.”
He then presented a scenario where the New York Giants could manage to get the best of both worlds. In this scenario, the Giants would select one of the draft’s top two players at pick three, then trade back into the first round at pick eight to secure their quarterback.
“Even if it’s pick 33, a fourth-round pick this year, a first next year, and a second next year—would you do it?” McShay asked. “If you like him that much, why wouldn’t you just take the guy at three?”
Making a Case for the Trade
What’s impossible for McShay, despite his 20 years of experience, is predicting the level of desperation in the Giants’ front office.
“Nothing would make the fans happier than winning more games next year and having Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter on the team,” McShay suggested. “The Mara family knows that. Sometimes rational football decisions get thrown out the window when the people who sign the checks say, ‘Let’s do it.’”
Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Shane have been under pressure for a few seasons, and many were surprised to see them return this year. In what could be a make-or-break season for the duo, a bold trade could be the splash needed to keep their jobs secure.
Evan Cormier is a former Division I football player with a Master’s degree in Sports Communication and Media Arts from Sacred Heart University.
Leave a Reply