NFL Draft Expert Anticipates Significant Trade in First Round
April 21, 2024
David Latham, Managing Editor
A Prominent NFL Draft Analyst Foresees Two Teams Attempting an Aggressive Trade During the First Round.
NFL Draft Trade
When it comes to the 2024 NFL Draft, there are three certainties: death, taxes, and the occurrence of at least one major trade. With the highly anticipated event just around the corner, numerous renowned analysts have begun to make predictions about what will unfold after the Chicago Bears officially kick off proceedings. Trades are almost inevitable, as some teams develop a strong affinity for specific prospects, while others seek to amass more picks to bolster their roster with valuable contributors.
Renowned NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein has emerged as a highly respected figure in NFL Draft analysis, and he recently made a prediction regarding a substantial trade. According to Zierlein, both the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Commanders will endeavor to trade up in the first round.
Potential Trade Scenarios for the Cardinals and Commanders in the 2024 NFL Draft
Regarding the Cardinals, as indicated in the tweet above, they currently possess the 27th pick in the draft, suggesting their interest in potentially climbing into the top 15. With six picks spread across the first three rounds, the Cardinals boast ample draft capital to facilitate a trade for their desired prospect.
Analyzing the board, the New Orleans Saints emerge as a plausible trade partner. The Saints’ roster exhibits several gaps, and they lack picks in the third and fourth rounds. Utilizing the Drafttek Trade Value chart as a reference, the Cardinals could offer picks 27, 66, and 90 (totaling 1,080 points) in exchange for the 14th overall pick (valued at 1,100 points).
Another conceivable trade target for the Cardinals is the Chicago Bears, who possess two of the first nine picks in the draft. While Chicago is unlikely to part with the first-overall selection, they might entertain offers for the ninth-overall pick. A potential trade scenario could involve the Cardinals surrendering picks 27, 35, and 90 to move up.
Turning to the Commanders, although they hold just one first-round pick, they possess two second-round selections and three third-round picks. Bundling both second-round picks could position them to secure a top-20 selection. The Seattle Seahawks, potentially undergoing a rebuild under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald, might be inclined to trade the 16th-overall pick for picks 36 and 40, although this trade comes at a significant cost for the Commanders.
Alternatively, if the Commanders opt to re-enter the first round, they might target a pick in the late 20s or early 30s. The Baltimore Ravens, having lost key players in free agency, could be an appealing trade partner. Would the Ravens entertain a trade involving the 30th pick for picks 36 and 100?
Additionally, the Kansas City Chiefs represent a viable trade option for the Commanders, given their roster needs. Offering picks 40 and 100 for the 32nd-overall pick could potentially intrigue the Chiefs.
