Panthers trade up for star S Caleb Downs in new mock draft
The Carolina Panthers may trade up to the 13th overall spot in the 2026 NFL draft to select Ohio State University star safety Caleb Downs, according to a new mock draft by Bryant McFadden. The trade would involve sending their first-round pick (19th overall) and third-round pick (83rd overall) to the Los Angeles Rams.
The Carolina Panthers may make a bold move in the 2026 NFL draft by trading up to the 13th overall spot to select Caleb Downs, a star safety from Ohio State University. According to Bryant McFadden's mock draft, the Panthers would send their first-round pick (19th overall) and third-round pick (83rd overall) to the Los Angeles Rams. Downs is considered a blue-chip prospect and would strengthen the Panthers' defense, which has already been bolstered by the free-agent signings of Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd. The addition of Downs would give the Panthers a top-10 defensive core. The trade is valued using the Rich Hill model, which suggests it's a good deal for the Panthers. Downs is a two-time unanimous All-American and has received several prestigious awards, including the Jim Thorpe Award and the Lott Trophy.
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