Panthers Reportedly Interested in Star Michigan Defender

The Carolina Panthers don’t have a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft as they used it in the D.J. Moore trade to move up for Bryce Young. However, the Panthers have three selections on Day 3, including two at the top of Round 2.

The Panthers can go in different directions in the second round as they could add playmakers on both sides of the ball. Some mock drafts like Carolina taking a wide receiver with their first pick at No. 33 overall. 

However, there’s also a chance that the Panthers could address their secondary with their first selection in the second round.

Panthers Rumors: Carolina Linked Premier Slot Cornerback

Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda wrote Monday that people he spoke to believe that Carolina could take University of Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristil “at the top of Round 2.” Pauline adds that the “overwhelming belief is Mike Sainristil could be selected at least a round earlier than most people believe.”

In an interesting coincidence, ESPN’s Field Yates has the Panthers trading back to the No. 52 pick with the Los Angeles Rams and taking Sainristil in his combo three-round mock draft with Mel Kiper Jr.

The Panthers signed Dane Jackson in the offseason and re-signed Troy Hill, who is projected to be the team’s starting nickel cornerback this coming season. However, outside of Jaycee Horn, Carolina needs more youth at the cornerback spot.

Sainristil fills that void for the Panthers as he has excellent quickness and good ball skills, which is what you want to see in the secondary. The 5-foot-9 defensive back still has room for growth and development after only playing the position for the last couple of seasons. But he has the tools to be a solid nickel at the next level.

It will be interesting to see what the Panthers ultimately do when the NFL draft rolls around, as they can wait until Day 2 and take the best player available. Or Carolina could entertain the idea of trading into the first round if they see a player they love.

No matter who the Panthers draft, you can claim a guaranteed $150 sign-up bonus from Bet365 today! New users who bet $5 or more (with a $10 deposit) with their first wager will automatically receive $150 in bonus bets win or lose. Click here to sign up for Bet365 today!

More Panthers news and rumors: