Possible NFL Draft Trades
Four moves that could shake up the entire draft
With the NFL draft soon approaching, fans are wondering who their favorite team may be selecting. With a countless number of mock drafts being released, fans may feel as if they have a good idea about which player their team will select. However, all of that can change with a single draft night trade. Trades are inevitable when it comes to the draft. Last year, there were six trades in the first round alone. For this piece, I will discuss four possible draft night trades which could have a major effect on the entire first round.
Dolphins trade for the number one pick
Cincinnati receives: 5, 18, 26
Miami receives: 1
The selection: Joe Burrow
The Dolphins have the picks in order to pull off a historic draft night trade, and it’ll take a lot. In this trade, the Bengals receive all of Miami’s first rounders in exchange for the first pick. Cincinnati is more than a QB away from being truly competitive, and could use the multiple first rounders to rebuild their defense/offensive line. As for the Dolphins, if they don’t secure a franchise QB this draft, their effort at tanking could be all for nothing. Miami made multiple free agent signings which should keep them out of contention for a top-three pick next season. Therefore, they need to make a big move this draft to ensure their efforts were worthwhile.
Chargers trade for the third pick
Detroit receives: 6, 37, 2021 second round pick
Los Angeles receives: 3
The selection: Tua Tagovailoa
While the Chargers say they are content with Tyrod Taylor as their starting quarterback, no one should truly believe that. Taylor is a good bridge QB, but Los Angeles has the talent to be a competitive team for multiple seasons. This could lead to a draft night trade in order to take Tagovailoa. As for the Lions, with the third pick many believe Detroit would select cornerback Jeffery Okudah. This could still be a possibility with the sixth pick, plus Detroit would receive extra draft capital to improve a below average defense.
49ers trade for the seventh pick
Carolina receives: 13, 31, 2021 fifth round pick
San Francisco receives: 7, 184
The selection: Jerry Jeudy
Coming off a Super Bowl loss last season, the 49ers will be looking to make it back this upcoming year. A major challenge however, will be the loss of wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders in free agency. This could lead to San Francisco moving up in the draft in order to secure a wide receiver of their choice. Jeudy is a dynamic player who can help take the 49ers back to the Super Bowl. The Panthers make this deal in order to secure more draft capital. Carolina has multiple holes to fill on defense, and the seventh pick won’t be enough. Instead they gain two first rounders this year, and a fifth round pick next year.
Eagles trade for the eleventh pick
New York receives: 21, 127, 2021 first round pick
Philadelphia receives: 11
The selection: Ceedee Lamb
If you watched the Eagles towards the end of the season, it was evident their major weakness was at the wide receiver position. In an effort to get QB Carson Wentz some help, the Eagles move up ten spots in order to secure a stud wide receiver. Philadelphia has to move ahead of receiver needy teams such as the Raiders and Broncos to be sure they get the receiver they want. Lamb will be an instant upgrade to an Eagles offense whose best receiver at the end of the season was a former quarterback (Greg Ward). The Jets make this move because they are more than one player away from being truly competitive. The drop from 11 to 21 is steep, but a first round pick next year, along with a first rounder and fourth rounder this year is fair compensation.
