2014 NFL Draft Trade Scenarios: Teams That Could Be On The Move
By Erik Lambert
Feb 22, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; St. Louis Rams general manager Les Snead speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nothing adds more drama to draft days than trading. With the 2014 NFL draft approaching, what are some teams in line to do some wheeling and dealing?
Trade Up
Cleveland Browns
Holding the fourth pick in the draft probably means the Cleveland Browns could choose to stay where they are, but with an extra first and third round pick in tow they have plenty of ammunition to move up if they choose. The question at hand is what would they move up for. The 2014 class has a solid selection of quarterbacks, which is their biggest need. Having the fourth pick means they have a good shot at landing a quality signal caller. What it comes down to is whether the Browns will have their eye on somebody specific who they feel might go before them, say to Jacksonville.
New York Jets
Thanks to the Darrelle Revis trade with Tampa Bay, the New York Jets have some extra currency to deal in a third round pick. Their offense is in need of some help, particularly at wide receiver. The problem for them is the Baltimore Ravens are picking a few spots ahead and there’s a strong chance they will go for a receiver as well. That means if the Jets have their eyes on a specific guy, say Marqise Lee of USC or Sammy Watkins of Clemson, that third round pick may be just enough to vault them ahead of the Ravens to get that playmaker for Geno Smith.
Minnesota Vikings
A lot of this depends on how aggressive the Minnesota Vikings want to be. They do have an extra third round pick courtesy of a deal with Seattle for Percy Harvin, but it would likely take more than that to move up from the eighth pick. There are a number of trade partners available who might allow them a shot at a quarterback or perhaps defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Minnesota has proven aggressive over the past few drafts and hasn’t hesitated to go after players they like. If the right names is on the board, they will pounce.
Trade Down
St. Louis Rams
Everybody saw it coming but the St. Louis Rams made it clear the moment it became official. Once again holding the second pick in the draft, they have already announced they will openly receive offers for the selection, no doubt trying to duplicate their enormous plunder from 2012 when the Washington Redskins handed them two extra first round picks and a second rounder as well for the rights to Robert Griffin III. The quarterback class of 2014 isn’t quite as strong in terms of star power as that one was, but they could still make yet another impressive haul if the right team is interested.
Chicago Bears
It would be great if the Chicago Bears could land a building block player like Clowney or linebacker C.J. Mosley but the truth is their defense needs more help than one player can provide. It would be much more preferable for them to move down to collect more picks. Sitting at 14th there is a good chance they could see some action, especially with the Jets and Ravens picking right behind them. Phil Emery has seven picks, which isn’t bad but he also has 27 pending free agents coming up in March. Getting more 2014 NFL draft ammunition has to top his priority list and for once he’s in a position to do something about it.