Grading Panthers' trade that netted Dan Morgan the best RB in the 2024 NFL Draft

Dave Canales, the Carolina Panthers' head coach, is on record for wanting to beef up the team's rushing attack. That is what Carolina did by trading for the No. 46 pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. To get that selection, the Panthers traded pick Nos. 52, 142 and 155 to the Indianapolis Colts, and […]

Ian Kayanja
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Nov 11, 2023; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (24) runs for the first down against TCU Horned Frogs in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ricardo B. Brazziell-USA TODAY Sports
Image via Ricardo B. Brazziell-USA TODAY Sports

Dave Canales, the Carolina Panthers' head coach, is on record for wanting to beef up the team's rushing attack. 

That is what Carolina did by trading for the No. 46 pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

To get that selection, the Panthers traded pick Nos. 52, 142 and 155 to the Indianapolis Colts, and what the franchise landed was someone who projects to be a difference maker. 

Grading the Panthers-Colts trade

Panthers grade: B- 

Carolina traded three picks to get back into the second round after trading out of the second round with pick No. 39. It doesn't look like outstanding compensation at face value. There is an argument to be made that the Panthers should have selected Jonathon Brooks with the early second-round pick. That is not what Dan Morgan elected to do. 

In trading that pick No. 39, the Panthers netted the second-round pick lost in the blockbuster trade ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. So adding Brooks at that selection looks quite impossible. Insert the later second-round trade to get back into the first round. The Panthers wanted to get Brooks because he is the best running back in this draft class, and that is after tearing his ACL. 

During his college career, Brooks shined for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns in the 2023 season. At 20 years old, he has a wealth of upside at his disposal. The key to the trade and the pick, however, is this: Brooks had 11 rushes of 20-plus yards last season, including four touchdowns. As a team, the Panthers combined for nine rushes of 20+ yards and only one touchdown. He is exactly what the Panthers need. 

After the deal, Carolina's draft assets, as of writing this story, are the following: 65 (3rd), 101 (4th), 200 (6th) and 240 (7th). It is only a matter of time until Morgan makes another draft-day deal. 

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