Panthers are the Jaguars' perfect trade-down partner in 2024 NFL Draft
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, Jacksonville trades picks No. 17, 114 for Carolina's two second-rounders (33, 39).
Lot of talk about trading up for #Jacksonvillejaguars, but with so much talent through the third would you consider trading down? How about Jags 1st (17) and 4th (114) for Carolina’s two 2nd’s (33,39). OTC trade calculator says that’s a win for Jags
— Jeff Tice (@JeffTiceJax) April 14, 2024
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.
Think a trade between Jacksonville (#17) and Atlanta (#8) is possible under the assumption that one of Rome Odunze/Malik Nabers is available at 8. Atlanta slides back and takes a corner, probably Arnold. Quinyon Mitchell became a top-15 selection.
— Cam Marino (@MarinoNFL) April 16, 2024
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.
Last year, Baalke moved down twice in the first round before he landed offensive tackle Anton Harrison. The year prior, he moved back into the first round to select Devin Lloyd 27th overall after drafting Travon Walker first overall. This is to say that there's a chance the Jaguars won't stay put in 2024.
In the end, it doesn't matter what strategy the Jaguars choose as long as they come out of the draft with a handful of playmakers. While trading up comes with a set of benefits, moving down would also make sense.
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