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.

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.

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.

>>>You can watch the NFL Draft on ABC. Check here for listings.

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

They chose University of South Carolina receiver Xavier Legette.

The team officially welcomed him to Charlotte on Friday.

UNC star Drake Maye also has a new team, the New England Patriots.

He was one of a record six quarterbacks chosen in the first 12 picks.

VIDEO: NFL Draft: Patriots pick UNC’s Drake Maye

NFL Draft: Patriots pick UNC’s Drake Maye

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