2011 NFL Draft News and Rumors: Flurry of Trades Coming?

Less than two days before the 2011 NFL Draft, and of course a flurry of trade rumors are swirling. The most notable came from Houston, where the Houston Chronicle speculated that the top two targets for the Texans were Patrick Peterson and Von Miller. McClain’s idea was that Houston would have to offer a pretty large package to the Broncos in order to get Von Miller ahead of the Buffalo Bills, but the more likely trade scenario would be to move into the 6th or 7th slot to get Peterson, who could slip.

The Texans don’t have a ton of ammo, but they have enough to move up with a team like Cleveland or San Francisco to get a guy like Peterson, who would be a much needed asset to the worst pass defense in the NFL. The Texans must either feel that Prince Amukamara either will not be there or might have a significantly lower grade than Peterson. Either way, this rumor is just that, and might amount to nothing.

There was also a rumor this morning that the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings might be in talks to move some picks around. This trade was notable because according to the report, the Browns would receive the 12th pick in the draft and send the Vikings a 2012 first rounder along with the 37th pick in the 2011 draft. That would likely not be enough to satisfy the Vikings, who would probably require an additional 3rd or 4th rounder in the trade, but it’s interesting on both accounts.

The Vikings could use their new ammunition to jump into the later portion of the first round to get the quarterback of their choosing, which right now appears to be Jake Locker. Locker would probably still be on the board in the 20’s if he gets past Miami and Jacksonville, and a logical trade partner would be New Orleans, who has an extra third round pick. The Saints could send the Vikings a 1st and 3rd, and the Vikings could send two 2nd’s and a 4th, or something of the like.

The Browns could use the 6th and 12th picks to significantly upgrade their defensive line, or they could look to some flashier players like Julio Jones and Patrick Peterson. Either way, it would be an interesting trade on both accounts, and reportedly this deal could get done on draft day depending on who is available when the 12th pick rolls around.

The other trade rumor that popped up was again Jason La Canfora connecting the Redskins, Broncos, and Blaine Gabbert. It would be very tough for the Redskins to trade up to the 2nd overall pick since they do not have a 3rd or 4th round pick this year, and they would also have to mortgage a future first round pick in any trade. There has been speculation all over the place what the Broncos could get from Washington and former head coach Mike Shanahan.

An interesting prospect would be for the Redskins to include LaRon Landry in a deal, which would likely never happen but interesting nonetheless, or possibly a guy like Brian Orakpo (also very unlikely).

[Update from Jesse]

Profootball talk is now reporting that the Pittsburgh Steelers are willing to exhuast all reasonable possibilites to trade up to pair Mike with his brother.

PFT suggest they’ll wait for him to fall to #20. I don’t think he gets past the Giants at 19.

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