The Panthers featured an explosive offensive last year that ranked seventh in the league but ranked 28th in defense after allowing 6,042 yards. Their defensive deficiencies were a result of a poor pass rush combined with a fairly poor cornerback play.
If the Panthers can pick up a talent such as Justin Blackmon with the 8th or 9th pick in the draft, then the amount of defensive talent they could get back for him would be absurd. They could probably trade the pick down and get a later first rounder(Melvin Ingram), and possibly another second or third rounder as well. It is definitely a tantalizing proposition, although, giving up a future pro bowler such as Blackmon would be difficult.
The Panthers have a good history of trading down in the draft. In 2007, they traded a first round pick that ended up netting them two future Pro Bowlers in linebacker Jon Beason and center Ryan Kalil.
It is definitely an option the Panthers should keep in mind, but only for the right price.
Buy Carolina Panthers Tickets | Buy Carolina Panthers Apparel
