This NFL trade idea helps the Carolina Panthers draft Indiana CB D'Angelo Ponds.
NFL analyst Moe Moton of Bleacher Report created a trade idea between the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks that helps the Panthers draft Indiana CB D'Angelo Ponds.
Here is the framework:
Carolina Panthers get: 1-32
Seattle Seahawks get: 2-51, 4-119, 2027 third-round pick
Panthers Select: CB D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana
For Indiana this past season, Ponds had 44 solo tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions and 11 passes defended. He led the Big Ten in passes defended.
"D'Angelo Ponds plays a lot bigger than his 5'8", 182-pound frame," Moton wrote. "He lined up primarily on the outside at James Madison and Indiana and found the ball in all three of his collegiate terms, recording 33 pass breakups and seven interceptions.
"If you look past Ponds' size limitations, he's a first-round talent. The Panthers could move him into the slot where he can cover underneath routes and channel his competitive energy into run support. He would start over Chau Smith-Wade, who allowed a 105.8 passer rating in coverage last season."
The Panthers made the playoffs last season, losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round. Just two years ago, Carolina's defense gave up the most single-season points in NFL history. Last season, the unit made strides, but there is still work to be done.
In free agency, the Panthers signed edge-rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. Adding Ponds to the secondary with star Jaycee Horn would be a great move by GM Dan Morgan.
Ponds finished his college career with seven interceptions and 33 passes defended. He also had 112 solo tackles.
The Panthers gave up 22.4 points per game last season and recorded 15 interceptions. The defense must be better in 2026.
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