Since the Panthers traded down in last years draft fairly successfully there is a good chance they would do it again this year if given the opportunity. The possibility goes even higher if OT’s Ryan Clady and Chris Williams and DE Derrick Harvey are already gone, a distinct possibility. I don’t think the Panthers want to take OT Jeff Otah at #13 as he should still be available later in the 1st round. If not, there should still be quality tackles left like Gosder Cherilus and Sam Baker.

They should talk to the Cowboys. If the Pacman Jones deal goes through then the need for a 1st round CB drops drastically. The emphasis then turns to filling the RB spot left vacant by the departure of Julius Jones. The Cowboys really covet Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall and I have a sneaky feeling yesterday’s private workout with Mendenhall by the Panthers may have been a bit of posturing. Many mock drafts have the Bears taking Mendenhall at #14, giving the Panthers huge leverage sitting at #13.

In the Cowboys favor they hold both the #22 and #28 picks in the draft. Given their salary cap problems and the fact they already have a deep roster I imagine Jerry Jones would jump at a chance to land the 2nd best RB in the draft. Mendenhall will most likely be available at #13.

Here’s how the trade would work per the Draft Pick Value Chart:

The Cowboy’s pick values are #22 = 780 and #28 = 660 for a total of 1,440.
The Panthers #13 pick is worth 1150 and their first pick in the 3rd round #67 is worth 255 for a total of 1,405. That’s pretty close number wise.

With that 3rd round pick the Cowboys could still get a receiver like Andre Caldwell, Jordy Nelson or Mario Manningham. The Panthers in turn could get a stud for both of their lines, like Kentwan Balmer at DT and Cherilus at OT as mentioned earlier. If Balmer is gone then a DE like Phillip Merling or Lawrence Jackson might be the choice. The Panthers would then still have their 2nd round pick #43 to land a DT or RB.

There are two pitfalls for the Panthers in this scenario:

1. They are helping the Cowboys get better, the team they hope to knock from their #1 seed perch. With Barber and Mendenhall in the backfield the Cowboy offense looks even better than last year’s high octane offense.

2. The Panthers would now have two 1st round picks to sign instead of one. Given the way the Panthers typically play hard ball with their high draft picks that means we will fret over two key players getting into camp. I can’t take it!

One last thought about how this trade would probably go down: It would happen on draft day, not in advance but during the Panthers 15 minute countdown. Given the wide disparity in mock drafts and disinformation being spread there is no telling how this draft will unfold. A marquee player might drop to #13 that is too much for a team like the Cowboys to resist making a juicy offer to the Panthers.

It would be hard for the Panthers to trade down if any of the three players mentioned earlier are available. If the Cowboys come knocking with those two 1st rounders then I hope the Panthers are listening.