Panthers trade up to 1st round in The Athletic’s post-combine mock draft

After trading the farm for last year’s No. 1 overall pick, are the Carolina Panthers really in a position to move up again this spring? One longtime draft expert believes so.

The Athletic NFL draft analyst Dane Brugler just rolled out his latest mock, straight off this past week’s trip to Indianapolis. He has the Panthers, whose opening pick currently sits atop the second round, leaping into the first in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens.

Brugler’s proposed swap nets Carolina the 30th overall selection in exchange for the 33rd and 141st selections. He then has them netting University of Georgia wideout Ladd McConkey:

The Panthers have to get better on the offensive line, but they also have to add weapons who can get open and give Bryce Young a target. McConkey, who can play both inside and outside, is arguably the best in this draft class at creating space with his crisp route running and electric speed/quickness.

In this scenario, Carolina doesn’t let the Chiefs snatch up McConkey. First-year general manager Dan Morgan moves up and gets his guy.

McConkey had one of the better combine performances at the receiver position. The two-time national champ clocked an impressive 40-yard dash at 4.39 seconds and proceeded to cut right through the gauntlet like a hot knife through butter.

But would he be worth a stab at the expense of Brandt Tilis’ old buddies?