Draft day trades aren’t an uncommon sight in the NFL. Every year, draft analysts look at teams that could potentially move up into the top ten to select one of the top ranked prospects. However, this year, along with so many previously, there’s value across the board on day one of the NFL Draft. Below, I’ve listed five teams that could look to trade back into that latter half of the 2024 NFL Draft first round.
1. Washington Commanders
Currently, the Washington Commanders own the 2nd overall pick, as well as the fourth and eighth pick of the second round. The team consistently underperformed under head coach Ron Rivera and lack talent and depth at many key positions. According to reports, GM Adam Peters isn’t looking to trade out of the second overall pick, rather staying put to select a new franchise quarterback.
The front office has enough ammunition to make a move back into the first round. Offensive tackle is a position that comes to mind, especially if Patrick Paul, Jordan Morgan, or Tyler Guyton are still on the board. An edge rusher is also certainly possible here, especially if there is someone that they really like, although I don’t see them moving up 10-15 spots to fill that need.
2. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos possess the 12th overall pick in this year’s 2024 NFL Draft, which could be used on a quarterback, such as Bo NIx or Michael Penix Jr. I don’t love either of those guys, but it seems like the Broncos do, despite trading for Zach Wilson.
The Broncos do not own a pick selection in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but they could package together mid-round picks in 2024, as well as a first or second rounder in 2025, to move into the back half of the first round. The organization could look for a replacement for Jerry Jeudy, an upgrade at nose tackle, or even some depth in the secondary.
3. Tennessee Titans
Ran Carthon is entering his second NFL Draft as General Manager of the Tennessee Titans. In the offseason, the team dismissed head coach Mike Vrabel, replacing him with offensive-minded Brian Callahan. They sit with the 7th overall pick in round one, as well as the sixth pick in round two. However, the team doesn’t possess a third round pick, unless they trade for one.
If there’s a team looking to get out of the first, there could be a very friendly price to move from 38th overall and back into the first round. The front office signed WR Calvin Ridley in the offseason, but DeAndre Hopkins will be 32 at the start of the season and Treylon Burks has proven to be a bit inconsistent. There are needs on the offensive and defensive lines, too.
4. New England Patriots
Eliot Wolf is the Director of Scouting for the New England Patriots and appears to be the one calling the shots for them this offseason. However, I have no clue what they’re going to do in the 2024 NFL Draft, and if someone else is telling you that they do, they’re lying.
There’s a chance that the Patriots could trade out of the third overall pick, moving back to six or later. Hell, they could even move out of the first round entirely. However, there are far too many needs on both sides on both sides of the ball. Even without Bill Belichick at head coach, I fully expect the Patriots to move up and down the board as they see fit.
5. Arizona Cardinals
In 2023, the Arizona Cardinals moved out of the third overall spot by trading down with Houston. They eventually moved back into the sixth spot for Paris Johnson Jr.
This year, the team could be poised to do the same as they’re in a prime position for a team to trade up for a quarterback. However, if we see four or more quarterbacks come off the board in the top ten, then we could see a premium price to trade back into the top half of the first round. Instead, the Cardinals could look at trading into the back ten picks, and draft someone like Johnny Newton or Nate Wiggins.
