Panthers Trade Up In The 2nd Round Of Draft

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The Carolina Panthers made a splash to begin Day 2 of the NFL Draft, trading up 10 spots with the Seattle Seahawks to select Ole Miss offensive tackle Greg Little in the second round with the 37th overall pick.

In addition to Carolina’s original pick at 47, the Panthers sent their compensatory third-round pick (77th overall) to Seattle.

Little, 21, was a First-Team All-SEC selection in 2018, and started every game at left tackle for the Rebels over the last two seasons.

“I think I’m a true franchise left tackle that can compete for a long time,” Little said.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 310 pounds, Little was the No. 2 overall recruit coming out of high school in the 2016 class and ranked 53rd in NFL.com’s draft prospect rankings.

“He’ll have to come in and compete, but we feel very fortunate to get a guy with his talent,” general manager Marty Hurney said. “He’s had a lot of experience.”

Little will join an offensive line that suffered through a lot of injuries in 2018, and includes former Pro Bowl right tackle Daryl Williams and tackle Taylor Moton.

Little said he’s ready to help out quarterback Cam Newton.

“I’m fired up. I take pride in keeping people safe. And I’m going to keep him safe,” he said.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera and Hurney said after Carolina selected Little that Moton has been impressive at left guard.

Moton could also remain at right tackle and Williams backs up Little or vice-versa.

“At worst, this gives us depth at left tackle,” Rivera said. “We’re fired up about it. We expect him to come in and compete.”

Little allowed just 26 total pressures and three sacks in 993 pass blocking snaps the last two seasons Ole Miss.

Barring any more trades, the Panthers will pick in the third round at pick No. 100.