Panthers could throw wrench in Broncos draft plans

For those hoping a quarterback could drop all the way to the Denver Broncos at No. 9, be warned that the Carolina Panthers could play the spoiler.

On Tuesday afternoon, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported via Twitter that the Panthers have “had conversations with other teams about potentially trading back” from their first-round slot at No. 8 — one spot ahead of the Broncos.

Carolina Panthers have had conversations with other teams about potentially trading back in the draft from pick No. 8, per source. There are all sorts of ongoing trade conversations between teams, let’s see what next week brings.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 20, 2021

While it’s possible teams could be looking to move up to draft a prospect at another position — for instance Florida tight end Kyle Pitts — it’s highly likely any move up to No. 8 would be to take a quarterback.

At this point leading up to the draft, most mocks have Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson as locks to go No. 1 and No. 2 to the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets.

Then, if the San Francisco 49ers opt to pursue a quarterback with the third-overall pick, they’d have the choice of Justin Fields, Trey Lance and Mac Jones.

Denver would then have to hope teams like the Atlanta Falcons (No. 4), Miami Dolphins (No. 6) and Detroit Lions (No. 7) not only don’t select a quarterback but also don’t trade out of their position to a team who would draft one.

And with the Panthers already having traded for Sam Darnold this offseason, the No. 8 spot could be a way for another team to ensure one of the remaining three first-round quarterbacks doesn’t make it to the Broncos at No. 9.

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