The Carolina Panthers traded up in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft to select Oklahoma DE Frank Alexander. The Panthers gave up their 2013 3rd round pick in order to acquire the San Francisco 49ers 4th round pick this year.

This is a great move for the 49ers, who move up a round next year to give up this pick. That's a good strategy that Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots often employ. It allows for more flexibility down the road.

The Panthers have had a solid draft to this point with linebacker Luke Kuechly out of Boston College in the 1st round followed by Midwestern State G Amini Silatolu. Both of those players are potential starters while Alexander fills a depth role for the moment.

Results from the 1st round of the 2012 NFL Draft can be found here, 2nd round results are available here, and 3rd round results can be found here. For more player rankings and draft information, check out Mocking the Draft.