Carolina moved down six spots in the third round of the 2002…
Carolina moved down six spots in the third round of the 2002 draft, sending No. 67 to Cincinnati for Nos. 73 and 145. The Bengals selected tight end Matt Schobel, who became a useful NFL player. Carolina used No. 73 on linebacker Will Witherspoon, who developed into a long-term starter and one of the best players from this portion of the draft. That high-end hit gives the Panthers the advantage.
Carolina Panthers Received
- pick 2002 3rd round pick (73rd overall, Will Witherspoon)
- pick 2002 5th round pick (145th overall, Kyle Johnson)
Cincinnati Bengals Received
- pick 2002 3rd round pick (67th overall, Matt Schobel)
Trade Analysis
Why Cincinnati Moved Up
The Bengals targeted tight end Matt Schobel and climbed from No. 73 to No. 67 to secure him, adding the 145th selection to complete the move. Schobel was not a bust. He appeared in 99 NFL games, caught 117 passes and scored 12 touchdowns over his career. Cincinnati therefore received a useful professional player from the move and deserves credit for identifying someone who could contribute.
What Carolina Found at No. 73
Carolina’s decision to move down only six spots proved especially valuable because Will Witherspoon remained available. The Panthers selected the linebacker at No. 73, and he became a major part of their defense. Witherspoon played 189 NFL games in his career and accumulated substantial starting experience, with his first four seasons coming in Carolina. He brought speed, coverage ability and every-down utility to a Panthers team that quickly became a contender.
How the Extra Pick Strengthened the Deal
The trade also gave Carolina No. 145, which the club used on Kyle Johnson. Johnson’s later NFL career developed elsewhere, so that fifth-rounder is not the principal reason for the verdict. Its importance is that Carolina acquired an extra selection without sacrificing the opportunity to draft Witherspoon. Moving down and still landing the best long-term player in the exchange is exactly the outcome teams seek when trading back.
Final Verdict
Carolina Panthers Win. The Panthers earn an A- because they turned one third-round slot into Will Witherspoon plus another draft chance, with Witherspoon becoming a high-level long-term starter. Cincinnati receives a B- because Schobel was a legitimate NFL contributor and made the move-up far from disastrous. The Bengals got a useful tight end, but Carolina landed the more valuable player while also increasing its number of selections.