Draft Day Trades
by David Syvertsen
Dave Syvertsen analyzes the teams who may be interested in making trades in the first round, like the Cowboys, who covet Arkansas running back Darren McFadden.
Part of the attraction to the NFL Draft is the attempt to accurately project selections, also known as a mock draft. Draft fans all over the world will often work on these make believe selections for months with the hope of possibly being the draft expert that can look down upon the Mel Kipers and Todd McShays of the world.
However, every year something happens that throws our picks off and mock draft as a whole down the drain. No, this isn’t about the Dolphins passing on Brad Quinn for Ted Ginn, but draft-day trades. The second a team moves up by giving up their own first rounder along with later additional selections, all bets are off and one can all but throw their mock draft into the garbage. Trades are inevitable because certain teams have their scopes zeroed in on certain players and the second a willing seller is found and the proper value is there, the deal is done at the snap of a finger. There appears to be a few spots in the first round where a trade is not only possible, but very likely when all things are considered.
Pick No. 5 - Kansas City Chiefs
Suitors - Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals
The Chiefs enter this draft with one thing on their mind and it goes by the name of Jake Long. However, if you look at their roster, there is much more needed than a left tackle for this team to get back to the playoffs. Thus the possibility of them moving up for Long, who is a sure thing top three pick, is very slim. Super prospect Darren McFadden will likely be available but with the Jets looming right behind the Chiefs at pick six, there will be a sense of urgency for teams to move up and perhaps give the Chiefs an extra pick or two to help them rebuild both sides of the ball. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has not kept it a secret that he covets McFadden and the current hole they have next to Marion Barber III who proved he is not an every down back has to lead you to believe this is a high possibility trade. The Bengals could move up for McFadden themselves but there will likely be an attractive defensive player available at pick five as well. Whether it’s Glenn Dorsey, Sedrick Ellis, Vernon Gholston or Keith Rivers, the Bengals will be on the phone if their guy is available at that spot. This would still land the Chiefs a top 10 pick as well as get them an additional second rounder.
Pick No. 7 - New England Patriots
Suitors - New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears
If there is one team that simply “gets it” in terms of the approach to the draft overall aspects, it’s the Patriots. Their philosophy resolves around an economical frame of mind in the sense that they do not believe in paying rookies big contracts. With outrageous money being thrown around to top 10 picks every year to kids who have yet to play a down in the NFL, the Patriots are almost a sure thing to trade down and accumulate more picks all for the price of what they would pick at No. 7. At this point, any team will be able to trade up and go after the top cornerback on their board. The amount of aid needed in the defensive backfield down in New Orleans is unmatched across the league, as they are missing starting corners, and competition for the nickel spot. If the Saints want to ensure they get their guy, a trade up from their No. 10 slot will likely be necessary for a price that is not too high. The Bears, on the other hand, will not trade up for a cornerback here but their offensive line woes across the board need to be addressed, no questions asked. Jake Long will be off the board but Ryan Clady of Boise State, a guy who is being considered the best left tackle in this class by some scouts, will be there for the taking. The Bears have an extra early pick to work with and if they are serious about giving Rex Grossman a chance and getting Cedric Benson on the path to reaching his potential, a dominant left tackle is a must.
Pick No. 16 - Arizona Cardinals
Suitors - Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars
Super Bowl XLII might have been the game that changes the outlook of defensive football in the NFL. Sure the value of a strong pass rushing front was already strong but you can bet your bottom dollar that the way the Giants stopped arguably the most prolific passing attack the game has ever seen had a lasting impact on front offices across the nation. Two defenses that are a dominant pass rusher away from finding themselves mentioned amongst the league’s elite units are the Redskins and Jaguars. There will likely be a pass rusher with immense potential at this spot by the name of Derrick Harvey, a Jason Taylor clone out of Florida. Vernon Gholston will get all of the pub leading up to the draft but in terms of potential, Harvey has the highest ceiling amongst all defensive ends in this draft. He lived in opponents’ backfields since taking over as a starter in 2006 and is primed to do the same at the next level. Should he drop to the Cardinals slot at No. 16, teams will be on the phone with their best offer in hand and the Cardinals might just bite because of the variety of needs they possess.
Pick No. 27 - San Diego Chargers
Suitors - New York Giants and Carolina Panthers
If the Chargers stay put, they won’t have a very busy draft. They traded away their second round pick for receiver Chris Chambers, their third round pick in a 2007 draft day trade with the Bears, and spent their fourth round pick in the 2007 supplemental draft on corner Paul Oliver out of Georgia. Essentially, the Chargers will watch over 130 picks pass by in between their first and second picks should they not make a move. Without a pressing need on one of the more balanced squads on both sides of the ball in the league, there will likely be a desire to trade down for an extra pick or two. The Giants have been trying hard to shop their first round pick for a top-flight defensive back this offseason to avoid the overspending free agency market. They lack a playmaker that can take advantage of their top pass rushing attack and with the departure of Gibril Wilson, there lies a vacant spot at safety. Reggie Smith, who could project as a corner at the next level as well, is worthy of trading up a few spots for right in front of Dallas likely won’t pass on the Big 12 standout. Carolina’s quarterback position for both the present and long term future is pretty dim to say the least. They will want to go best player available with their first round pick, but should they want a signal caller for the future, they’ll have to look to move up with their second selection. Joe Flacco and Brian Brohm will likely be there at No. 27 and the Panthers could put together a nice offer of draft picks for the draft-hungry Chargers.