NFL Draft: Panthers add linebacker, running back to team’s arsenal

DETROIT — The Carolina Panthers added a linebacker and running back to its roster Friday night during the NFL Draft.

The Panthers selected University of Kentucky linebacker Trevin Wallace with the 72nd overall pick in the third round of the NFL Draft.

The pick was a result of a day-two trade with the New York Jets, which moved the Panthers from No. 65 overall, back to No. 72 and added No. 157 overall in the fifth round.

Wallace spent three seasons with the Wildcats and was named to the SEC All-Freshman in 2021. He played in all 12 games his first two years and started all 12 in his final season, the Panthers reported.

Trevin Wallace The Carolina Panthers have selected Trevin Wallace, inside linebacker from the University of Kentucky, with the 72nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. (VIA CAROLINA PANTHERS)

From that 2023 season, Wallace accumulated 80 tackles (8.5 for loss) with 5.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. He was team captain as a draft-eligible junior.

In the second round, the Panthers selected University of Texas running back Jonathon Brooks with the 46th overall pick.

Jonathon Brooks runs for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Louisiana-Monroe, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Austin, Texas. Texas won 52-10. ((AP Photo/Michael Thomas))

Brooks was the first running back to be selected for the draft.

Brooks may need time to fully recover from ACL surgery that caused him to miss the final three games last season, ESPN reported.

At the time of his injury, Brooks was sixth in FBS in rushing yards (1,139) and had broken or evaded 63 tackles, second most in the FBS at that point. He also had 11 rushes of 20-plus yards, including four for touchdowns.

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The Chicago Bears kicked off the NFL Draft by selecting USC’s Caleb Williams as a quarterback and as their No. 1 pick. DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 25: A general view of the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza on April 25, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Carolina made moves Thursday night trading with the Buffalo Bills to get the last pick of the first round.

The #Panthers start the round with another trade.

Carolina trades the 39th pick to the #Rams. In return, they’ll get the 52nd pick, 155 (Rd 5) and a 2nd round pick in 2025.
— DaShawn Brown (@DaShawnWSOC9) April 26, 2024