Panthers are the Jaguars’ perfect trade-down partner in 2024 NFL Draft
• There’s been chatter about the Jaguars trading up in the 2024 NFL Draft, but how about moving down?
The Jacksonville Jaguars are becoming a trendy pick to trade up in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, it’s not a given that they will. In fact, they should also consider moving down. If they do, the Carolina Panthers would be the ideal partner,
B&T alumnus Jeff Tice first brought up the possibility of making a deal with the Panthers to acquire extra selections in the second round. In his proposal, Jackson
The Jaguars currently hold one pick in each of the first three rounds (17, 48, 96). With the extra picks they get in this hypothetical trade, they could target someone like wide receiver Ricky Pearsall or cornerback Renardo Green in Round 2. They could then use their other pick to bolster their pass-rush rotation.
On the days ahead of the draft, the Jags have emerged as a legitimate candidate to trade into the top 10 to acquire either Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers. At No. 9, the Chicago Bears have been identified as a potential partner for teams interested in moving up.
The Atlanta Falcons, who hold pick No. 8, may also be open to listening to offers. As a matter of fact, the Ringer has Jacksonville making a deal with the Falcons to move up for Nabers.
The downside of trading up is that Jacksonville would have to either give up their second-round pick, along with a late-rounder, or their first-round pick next year to get to No. 9. Then again, doing so would allow them to secure a true WR1, whether it’s Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers.
Trading down would allow the Jaguars to stockpile on draft picks
All things considered, trading up wouldn’t be a bad idea, but it isn’t the only route the Jags could take in the draft. At No. 17, they’ll be in a position to take one of the top receiver or cornerback prospects in the draft.
That said, the front office could still address either position in Round 2 given how deep the draft is at both positions. This is why trading down to acquire two second-round selections would also be a reasonable course of action.
Keep in mind that it’s just a hypothetical scenario. There are no reports about the Jaguars having talks with Carolina to move down. Still, this is an interesting idea when you take into account that general manager Trent Baalke has shown an affinity to trade down (and up) the past two drafts.
