Panthers 2020 NFL mock draft: The trading up for Tua edition

In our newest mock, the team trades up four spots in the first round for a new franchise quarterback, then back down later for more picks.

There has been plenty of buzz about the Panthers’ plans for the 2020 NFL draft. Many analysts think general manager Marry Hurney will pull the trigger to make a blockbuster trade up for a quarterback, while others think he’s content with staying put at No. 7 overall. We have been advocates for the Panthers trading back to stockpile more picks, but let’s take a look at what a 2020 draft class might look like if they were to move up.

In our newest mock, the team trades up four spots in the first round for a new franchise quarterback, then back down later for more picks.

Trade up with Lions: Panthers acquire No. 3 overall pick in exchange for the No. 7 and No. 69 selections in 2020, plus next year’s first-round pick.

Round 1, No. 3 – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Tua Tagovailoa
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Hurney shoot for the stars here to get his QB of the future in Tagovailoa. With his medicals all cleared up, Tagovailoa will be highly coveted after his sensational career at Alabama. If they really want him, the Panthers will have to trade up and make a better offer than the Dolphins, currently sitting at No. 5 overall. As we stated in Tua’s 2020 prospect profile, he has all the makings to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL and he fits Joe Brady’s offense. The best-case scenario here is Tua having a year to learn under Cam Newton while he plays out his contract, giving Tagovailoa time to fully recover from his injuries – basically redshirt rookie season.