The Seahawks Could Flip Pick 32 to Panthers for a Cornerback Named D'Angelo Ponds

Here's a draft scenario that just landed on the board: the Carolina Panthers could trade up to pick 32 and land Indiana cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, and the Seattle Seahawks would be the team making it happen. Mock drafts are flying around this time of year, but this one from Moe Moton at Bleacher Report is worth paying attention to because it shows exactly how aggressive Dan Morgan and the Panthers are willing to get in the draft room.

The Panthers Have a Track Record of Trading Up

This wouldn't be Carolina's first rodeo moving up the board. Under Morgan's watch as GM, the Panthers have already traded up three times in the second round or into the first, landing Xavier Legette, Jonathon Brooks, and Nic Scourton. So the idea that they'd do it again? Totally believable. A trade up in this draft is likely, and when you're talking about potentially nabbing two round-one prospects in the same class, that's the kind of aggressive move Morgan has shown he's willing to make.

Why D'Angelo Ponds Makes Sense for Carolina's Defense

The Panthers absolutely need cornerback depth. Mike Jackson is 29 and hitting free agency at year's end, which means his time in Carolina is probably winding down. Behind him and Jaycee Horn, the secondary is thin. They've got Chau Smith-Wade in the slot and injured depth in Corey Thornton. That's not exactly inspiring, especially with Horn's injury history creating uncertainty.

Ponds is undersized, sure. Evaluators have flagged that as a real limitation. But they've also noted his tenacity, competitive toughness, and instincts more than make up for it. According to Moton: "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 Price Tag is Steep

Here's the catch: to land pick 32 from Seattle, Carolina would have to give up their 2026 second-rounder (51), their 2026 fourth-rounder (119), and a third-round pick in 2027. That's a hefty price. Ponds would eventually make an impact on their defense, but he might not do so right away. Most of his college tape is at outside corner, so unless the Panthers trade Jackson or Horn gets injured, he doesn't have a clear path to the field unless he can learn the slot quickly.

It's the kind of bet that only works if Carolina is all in on Ponds as their long-term slot corner. Watch that pick 32 come draft day.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.