The latest Day 2 deal will see the Panthers acquire pick No. 80 from the Steelers. Pittsburgh will add the 93rd and 132nd selections, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero tweets. Carolina has selected defensive end D.J. Johnson.
The Panthers gained the ability to make moves up the board in no small part due to the capital added in the Christian McCaffrey trade, including each of the selections used in this swap. Johnson will add to their edge rushing stable, a spot the team made clear was a point of emphasis leading up to the draft.
Carolina has Brian Burns at the top of their depth chart in that department, but depth additions such as this one will be welcomed. Johnson wore a number of hats at Oregon, but his play on the defensive side of the ball highlighted his abilities as a disruptive force both against the pass and run.
The 6-4, 260-pounder racked up 39 tackles (including 8.5 for loss) and six sacks in 2022, making it by far the most productive season of his career. He was one of many mid-round edge rushing prospects in this year’s deep class, and he will look to continue his progression as a full-time player in that regard at the NFL level.
The Steelers have already filled arguably their two biggest needs (offensive tackle and cornerback) with their first two selections, making it especially beneficial to move down the board with this move. Carolina, meanwhile, still has fourth- and fifth-rounders as things currently stand.
Wrong DJ Johnson. I hope we didn’t draft a 67 year old DB!
Wrong DJ Johnson. I hope we didn’t draft a 56 year old DB in the 3rd round.