NFL Analyst Says Panthers Trade Up in First Round, but is it Warranted?

NFL analyst has the Panthers making a bold move in the first round

“Following the departure of Rico Dowdle,” explained Elijah, “the Carolina Panthers may need to rethink their long-term plans at running back. Drafting Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football could provide an immediate spark to the offense, especially if the team remains uncertain about the futures of Chuba Hubbard or Jonathon Brooks.”

“Love enters the 2026 draft as one of the most highly regarded offensive prospects,” added Elijah, “ranked in the top five on the PFSN Consensus Big Board. What separates him from the rest of the running back class is his rare mix of power and athleticism.”

In his final two seasons with the Fighting Irish, the talented performer totaled a combined 3,104 yards from scrimmage and 40 touchdowns (35 rushing, 5 receiving) in only 28 games.

“Love runs with authority between the tackles while also possessing the versatility to impact the passing game, said Elijah, “making him a true difference-maker rather than just another rotational back.”

Is adding a running back in the first round crucial to the Panthers?

It would be an intriguing move, but consider this. For a team that hasn’t posted a winning record since 2017, a trade that has the club swapping first-round picks and then tacking on three more selections (especially a second-rounder in 2027) seems like an awful high price to move up nine spots.

While Brooks’ status remains somewhat uncertain, Hubbard is a proven performer who ran for a career-best 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024. Carolina also used a fourth-round pick in 2025 on running back Trevor Etienne. All told, can Morgan and the Panthers really afford to give up that much draft capital?