The unpredictability of the NFL draft makes it a challenge to project, regardless of the effort put in. Unforeseen events can arise and disrupt the entire proceedings, often leading to unexpected outcomes that spark excitement.
Last year’s draft serves as a prime example; not a single person outside the Atlanta Falcons organization anticipated that they would select quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick after signing Kirk Cousins in free agency just a month prior. Fast forward a year, and Cousins is likely leaving while Penix is set to lead the team moving forward.
Teams have two distinct strategies for approaching the draft. They can either wait for the draft to reveal or proactively move up to target specific prospects they deem a good fit.
Some franchises prefer to stockpile draft picks, while others are more inclined to consolidate their selections in order to secure their targets. No single method guarantees success in assembling a winning team. At some point, a team will inevitably trade up based on available prospects and its own needs.
Currently, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment when forecasting potential trades that might alter the order and influence how the draft comes to play. Five specific trades stand out as particularly likely to create vital moves.
Las Vegas Raiders Trade Up for QB Shedeur Sanders
Chad Brinker, president of football operations, has stated that the Tennessee Titans cannot pass on a “generational talent” with the first pick.
However, it is evident that such a prospect does not exist in the 2025 class, leading the team to focus on drafting a quarterback. The decisions made following this pivotal moment will be the most compelling aspect of this year’s draft class.
With the second pick, the Cleveland Browns find themselves in a challenging situation. They are aware that they will remain entangled in the Deshaun Watson situation for at least another year or two. Selecting a quarterback makes sense, but the front office might attempt a temporary solution to appease star player Myles Garrett and pursue short-term victories.
If this is the case, the second pick becomes a prime candidate for a potential trade-down, allowing general manager Andrew Berry to leverage the selection for a bounty of picks that could help rejuvenate a struggling roster.
Given that the Las Vegas Raiders failed to acquire a quarterback last year, they should seize the chance to trade up this time around. This missed opportunity last year cost them a critical rebuilding season and possibly their coaching staff.
Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department ranks Miami’s Cam Ward as the top quarterback prospect, making him a likely candidate for the Titans with their first pick. Subsequently, the Raiders could set their sights on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders.
The existing connection between Sanders and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady further solidifies this fit. Brady has had a huge influence on many of the team’s offseason decisions, making this potential pairing appealing for both parties. The Raiders simply need to go through the draft process effectively to realize this opportunity.
Dallas Cowboys Trade Ahead of Chicago Bears to Draft RB Ashton Jeanty
Jerry Jones, owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, often surprises with his decisions. The need for a running back is evident, but it remains questionable whether they should pursue the class’s top ball-carrier. However, dismissing this possibility would be unwise.
Ashton Jeanty had an outstanding final season at college, coming close to Barry Sanders’ all-time rushing record while finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting. His exceptional vision and balance in contact set him apart as a remarkable talent.
Historically, Jones has not shied away from selecting elite running backs. He chose Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth pick in the 2016 NFL draft and has also drafted Emmitt Smith and Felix Jones in the first round of their respective classes.
While Jeanty could logically be available for the Cowboys with the 12th pick, there is a risk that the Chicago Bears might select him at 10, potentially prompting a major move from Dallas.
Ben Johnson, the Bears’ new head coach, previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. The Lions opted to enhance their running back situation by trading D’Andre Swift and drafting Jahmyr Gibbs with the 12th pick in the 2023 class.
After Swift’s departure to the Philadelphia Eagles, who then signed with the Bears, Johnson may be looking to acquire another key playmaker for the backfield. Jeanty offers a different skill set compared to Gibbs, which the Cowboys must consider as they ponder a trade for the premier running back in this draft class.
Given the criticism he faced for his inactivity last season, Jones might be eager to make a bold move to bolster his team.
Denver Broncos Jump Ahead of Indianapolis Colts for TE Tyler Warren
A popular prediction already involves the Indianapolis Colts as they search for a top tight end. However, what if another team recognizes that need and acts accordingly?
Chris Ballard, the Colts’ general manager, was candid about the necessity for offensive support to aid quarterback Anthony Richardson’s development. “We didn’t get enough production from [the team’s tight ends],” Ballard remarked during his end-of-season interview.
“Our inability to control the middle of the field is something we need to address; I must provide Shane (Steichen) and the coaching staff with a player who can dominate that area and force defenses to account for him.”
In a robust tight end class, Tyler Warren from Penn State stands out as the most versatile weapon. He accumulated over 100 receptions and 1,200 receiving yards en route to winning the John Mackey Award. His ability to be deployed in various formations makes him a legitimate offensive asset and potential primary target.
In the current draft order, the Colts, picking 14th, are likely the first team poised to select a tight end. Yet, another franchise could leap ahead of them.
The Denver Broncos also possess a young quarterback who requires a reliable target in the middle of the field to aid his growth. Last season, their quartet of Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull, Nate Atkins, and Greg Dulcich combined for a meager total of 51 receptions for 483 yards.
Warren could emerge as a transformative player in Sean Payton’s offensive scheme, but the Broncos may need to move up from their 20th pick to secure him.
If that occurs, the Colts might not prioritize Michigan’s Colston Loveland and could instead opt to find a tight end on Day 2, potentially redirecting their strategy for the latter half of the first round toward selecting a defensive back or another position that could influence other teams’ choices.
New Orleans Saints Trade Back into 1st Round for QB
A clear distinction exists between the first and second tiers of this year’s quarterback class. Demand will surpass supply this offseason, prompting some organizations to seek creative solutions for enhancing their position at this critical role.
As Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders come off the board, teams will begin to evaluate the next tier of quarterbacks and determine how to construct a roster around them.
The New Orleans Saints present an intriguing case. They hold the ninth draft pick, yet Derek Carr’s presence under contract does not equate to him being the long-term solution, nor does Spencer Rattler appear to be the answer.
Five franchises in need of a quarterback sit ahead of the Saints in the draft order. Uncertainty surrounds Carr’s viability as an option, especially with the organization yet to appoint a new head coach, although Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is a frontrunner for the position.
If the Saints cannot secure a quarterback with their initial selection, general manager Mickey Loomis can orchestrate the draft to target his preferred choice. Loomis is known for pursuing players he covets without hesitation, even in a smaller draft class.
Consequently, the Saints should consider moving back into the first round to select a quarterback they believe can serve as their future starter. Candidates such as Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, and Ohio State’s Will Howard are all viable options.
What motivates this decision to trade back into the first round?
For starters, it allows them to outmaneuver any other desperate teams that may have missed earlier opportunities to draft a quarterback. Additionally, first-round selections come with the benefit of a fifth-year rookie option on the player’s contract, enhancing both financial and roster flexibility.
Franchises positioned in the latter half of the first round often consider trading back, recognizing that the number of first-round talents doesn’t always extend into those final selections. In the case of the Saints, their urgent need for a quarterback outweighs the perceived value of available picks.
Cleveland Browns Trade Myles Garrett for Extra Draft Picks
Myles Garrett’s recent trade request will depend on his genuine desire to join a Super Bowl contender. Should he truly wish to facilitate a trade to a competitive team, the Browns will have little choice but to accommodate his request.
Two critical deadlines will have implications for this situation: one affecting the draft, and the other not.
On March 15, Garrett is set to receive a $5 million bonus. Should he refuse to restructure or defer that bonus, the Browns might consider moving him before that date. However, if he is open to reworking his contract, the team could keep him content or wait until after June 1 to lessen the impact of any salary-cap hits.
Given Garrett’s expressed intentions, it stands to reason that nearly every team in the league will reach out to Browns general manager Andrew Berry. A deal could materialize before the aforementioned date, impacting this year’s draft’s first round.
Any agreement reached is likely to involve one or more first-round draft picks, granting the Browns considerable flexibility in the draft process.
Garrett’s request for a trade stems from his awareness that he deserves to contend for championships, which he has yet to achieve during his time in Cleveland. Conversely, the Browns must consider whether it is worth parting with their superstar defensive player while seeking immediate solutions.
If Berry decides to move Garrett, the ramifications will extend beyond just the team. The league’s environment could move dramatically, affecting how teams pursue their roster decisions during the offseason.
Teams must remain alert and adaptable as the draft approaches, particularly as the value of their current picks fluctuates based on available players. Recognizing the ebb and flow of prospects will provide opportunities for franchises to raise their rosters.
