Determining which clubs are most likely to make bold moves on the first night NFL Draft of the season
There are several issues to consider before to April 27th, which is less than two weeks before the 2023 NFL Draft. The draft order is rotated since it will undoubtedly change.
The Carolina Panthers have already made a bold move up the draft board, going from No. 9 overall to No. 1. What other clubs may move up or down to choose players in the first round? It’s common practice to choose quarterbacks with first-round choices, therefore this year, it’s probable that at least one quarterback-related deal will take place. Come draft night, prepare for a showdown between a couple of divisive signal-callers from this class.
The five NFL clubs most likely to trade up in the first round and the five most likely to trade down are listed below.
The most likely groups to upgrade
The fourth-ranked Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are anticipated to choose their starting quarterback in the fourth round. Sadly, they won’t get to select from the best of the bunch. Following the selection of quarterbacks by the Panthers and Houston Texans, the Arizona Cardinals at pick No. 3 are a strong option to trade down (more on that later). Whoever that fourth quarterback is, are the Colts really simply going to grab him because they need one? That doesn’t seem like a good strategy.
It may be preferable for the Colts to move up to the third overall pick in a recent mock draft in order to select between Anthony Richardson and Will Levis rather than being obliged to select the quarterback the first three teams pass on. Although expensive, Indy is a squad to monitor if you want to advance.
Nevada Raiders (7th overall)
The Raiders go up to No. 3 overall in my first-round mock draft, according to my projections. Jimmy Garoppolo is not exactly a spring bird, and he didn’t receive large money to travel to Las Vegas with Josh McDaniels. Coach McDaniels probably doesn’t have a long leash, so it’s possible that he would act quickly to sign the prospective star who might play in Sin City for many years to come. It’s doubtful that every fan is head over heels with this option, but it exists nevertheless.
Click here to view NFL Draft potential deals the Raiders might make.
Nashville Titans (11th overall)
According to reports, the Titans have already looked at moving up to third overall. In addition to being a sensible decision given that Ryan Tannehill only has one more season left on his deal, the new general manager of the Cardinals, Monti Ossenfort, served as the Titans’ director of player personnel for the previous three seasons. These two groups are somewhat used to one another. Ran Carthon, the new general manager of the Titans, played football for the University of Florida. He could be drawn to Richardson.
Minnesota Vikings (23rd overall)
Another club that may make the bold move up to No. 3 overall is the Vikings, though they might also opt to just trade up in the first round. Period. The Vikings may be looking to add one of the top quarterbacks available in the draft as Kirk Cousins presumably enters his final season in Minnesota. Being an offensive-minded head coach, Kevin O’Connell won’t risk squandering Justin Jefferson’s prime time by being impatient in search of his next franchise quarterback. The Vikings may go proactive if someone in this class appeals to Minnesota’s front management.
The Vikings, who are ranked No. 23 overall, are also a contender to move up the draft board in a minor deal. The Vikings might make a trade up if someone like Levis starts to slide into the teens or if they want to get Hendon Hooker.
Buffalo Bills (27th overall)
Buffalo had a dismal finale to the 2022 campaign. The Bills were the preseason Super Bowl favorite, but they were unable to get to the AFC Championship. The Bills are still among the league’s top teams, but they require an additional offensive tool. ESPN said last week that Buffalo is interested in advancing. According to Matt Miller, it may be for an offensive skill player or interior offensive lineman. It would be nice to see Bijan Robinson in this offense, on a similar subject.
Arizona Cardinals (No. 3 overall) are one of the groups most likely to trade down.
The Cardinals are anticipated to trade their first-round pick for a sizable sum because they are ranked third overall and do not need a quarterback. But it’s not a guarantee. When it comes to the draft, nothing is.
Houston Texans (2nd overall and No. 12)
Some mock drafts even have the Texans moving out of the first choice due to speculations that they may not be sold on a quarterback at the No. 2 overall spot. Although I think it’s improbable, the Texans also have the No. 12 overall choice. I believe that teams with numerous first-round picks are more inclined to deal. This is particularly true for Texas, which is ranked No. 12, as another club may move up for a quarterback who has dropped out of the top 10.
(5th overall and 20th overall) Seattle Seahawks
Another squad with several first-round choices is this one. John Schneider will have a few choices at No. 20, but I’m also keeping an eye on him at No. 5 overall. The top four quarterbacks may have have been selected, but what if they haven’t? One QB-needy team may make a direct approach to Seattle. The Seahawks have a total of 10 selections, therefore I believe they might be targets for a trade up or down later this month.
Philadelphia Eagles (No. 10 & No. 30 overall)
One of the top GMs in the NFL Draft, Howie Roseman, averages a staggering four deals every year, either during the NFL Draft or the days leading up to it. The Eagles have two first-round selections but only six overall, so I think they have plenty of room to move down.
Detroit Lions (No. 6 & No. 18 overall)
In 2023, the Lions are considered the favorites to win the NFC North, but their defense has to be improved. Although general manager Brad Holmes has done a good job of adding players through free agency, he is not quite finished. At No. 6 overall, I predict Detroit will select a defensive lineman or pass rusher, but as we drop into the teens, things may get interesting.
