2021 NFL Draft: Teams most likely to make draft day trades

Teams picking in the top-five

Potential trade partner: Miami Dolphins

One Florida team probably made its mind up already to select Trevor Lawrence, but there is another in the top five that could potentially trade down in Miami. Sure, they already have plenty of draft capital, but how bad would it be to move a little further down the board to accumulate more picks and increase the chances of hitting on prospects? Hell, the trade could even include veteran players in the league now instead of picks. It would not be surprising to see a playoff caliber team take advantage of gaining more talent in the draft via a selection they received from another team.

There has been talk about moving Tua Tagovailoa, Miami’s top five pick last season, but that most likely will not happen unless it is for an established player like Deshaun Watson. Given that, there is no focus on quarterback at this point. Since the Jacksonville Jaguars are likely taking Lawrence and the New York Jets are also likely to grab a quarterback, Miami becomes a prime spot for any team looking to trade up for a young QB. If a trade did happen, it could take a

Potential trade up: Atlanta Falcons

Much like the Kansas City Chiefs did to acquire Patrick Mahomes, could the Falcons flip spots with Miami just to ensure no other team gets their quarterback? It could be in consideration, especially since moving up one spot could only take a fourth or fifth round pick. Given that owner Arthur Blank referenced the Chiefs’ sitting Mahomes behind Alex Smith at the time, this could be a prime spot for the Falcons to guarantee they get their guy who could sit behind Matt Ryan.

Potential trade partner: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are another spot where a trade could happen. Especially if the Miami Dolphins stay at third overall and select, say Penei Sewell, that means one of those top quarterbacks could potentially fall further. The Bengals just acquired their franchise guy in Joe Burrow, so they are yet another prime spot for teams looking to move up for a young signal caller. But quarterback may not be the only position teams will eye when moving to the Bengals’ fifth overall pick.

Kyle Pitts, who is considered a top five talent in this draft by many, could be a target of trades for certain teams. He will undoubtedly garner plenty of love from teams, so having multiple suitors attempting to do what it takes to get him would not be surprising. Cincinnati, right at the edge of the top five picks, would be a great place to start looking for trades.