2021 NFL Draft: Teams most likely to make draft day trades
By Felix Davila
Teams outside of the top-five
Potential trade up: Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers had an up-and-down season, finishing 5-11 and in desperate need of filling several holes on their roster. Surprisingly, though, their offense was steady even between Teddy Bridgewater and P.J. Walker. Imagine if head coach Matt Rhule is able to select his potential long-term face of the franchise in this draft and pair him with a young, creative coach like offensive coordinator Joe Brady?
Looking up top at either the Dolphins or Bengals, the Panthers would be moving a total of five draft slots at most, giving them some leverage in terms of minimal compensation for a trade. What adds to their case for wanting a trade is newly hired general manager Scott Fitterer. The GM is no stranger to wheeling and dealing draft picks, as he was formerly a part of the Seattle Seahawks, who have moved six first round picks since 2007.
As the college scouting director in Seattle, Fitterer helped select Russell Wilson in 2012. He will definitely want to make his mark on this team and the best way to do that is getting the next quarterback for head coach Matt Rhule to work with over the course of the next few years. Add in that the Panthers are not in the same conference as either Miami or Cincy, and the trade idea makes more sense.
Potential trade partner: Denver Broncos
Similar to the Carolina Panthers, the Broncos need to find their franchise quarterback. Drew Lock is currently the starter and he has flashed ability despite a poor offensive line. But what if the Denver brass is not completely sold on him? It would not be out of the ordinary to see the team make a move up under new general manager George Paton, who may want to put his mark on the team after replacing John Elway.
What makes the Broncos unique is that, like Carolina, being at ninth overall is the largest reason a move up is possible. Compensation would not have to be too extensive. But they are a prime candidate to move down too. If they believe in Lock, they could look to acquire more picks to build the roster round Lock, and give a team outside the top ten a chance to get there.
Potential trade partner: New York Giants
Giants general manager Dave Gettleman does not trade down in the NFL Draft. He has no history of even entertaining a trade down, and neither do the Giants. The last time New York traded down was in 2006 when they traded 25th overall in exchange for 32nd overall, a third round pick and a fourth round pick from the Pittsbrugh Steelers. And before that? Well, there is decades of drafts in which they stayed put. But with a roster that has glaring holes, a projected dip in salary cap, the pandemic limiting scouting and Dave Gettleman’s 15-33 record since 2018, this is most logical year that a trade back has presented itself as a strong option.
Given that the top portion of the draft is usually dominated by quarterback selections, that would push other top-end talent at other positions down the board. Since the Giants are literally the first pick after the top ten, they could be a key spot for a playoff contender to move up and acquire someone high on their board. Maybe Judge deals with his old team in New England so they can acquire a player like Micah Parsons? Or could the Giants negotiate with an Indianapolis Colts team that may want to do what it can to lock Mac Jones down?
The Giants may not be a likely team for a trade back, but never say never in the ever unpredictable NFL. They, like the Broncos, could be an intriguing spot for a team outside the top ten.