Panthers trade up into 1st round of latest NFL.com mock draft

The Panthers, in NFL.com’s latest mock draft, trade up into the first round for a Texas WR. But which one did they do it for?

A move up into the first round of the 2024 draft could be a pretty pricey one for the Carolina Panthers, especially after their move up into the first round of the 2023 draft. But is there a prospect worthy of it?

NFL.com lead draft writer Eric Edholm believes there is, so he jumps on the opportunity in his newest mock. Edholm has the Panthers striking a deal with the Detroit Lions to squeeze into the 29th overall position for University of Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy.

He writes:

If the Panthers are willing to fork over a fourth-rounder (which Detroit currently lacks) to move up from early in Round 2, they could snag the draft’s best speedball in this range. Worthy would add some life to the team’s pass-catching unit, giving Bryce Young a Jaylen Waddle type of talent. Carolina needs weapons and might be itchy to move up in Dan Morgan’s maiden draft as GM.

Earlier this month, Worthy showed off his premium jets in Indianapolis by setting a new combine record for the 40-yard dash (4.21 seconds). His numbers in his three seasons as a Longhorn were also impressive, as he totaled 197 receptions for 2,755 yards and 26 touchdowns.

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