Best Trade Scenarios Setting Up for the 2015 NFL Draft
The recent trades in the NFL have added even more excitement to the free agency period. Big-name and high-dollar acquisitions are the norm in mid-March, but to see familiar names swapping teams through trades is not for the NFL. It’s as if fantasy football has come to life, and we’re all winners because the drama is excellent to experience.
As free agency is hitting phase two and three and the elite playmakers have been snatched up, the NFL draft looms large. Teams are positioning themselves to acquire the best young players. To ensure they land their guy, they might need to use a combination of players and draft picks to move up.
In light of recent trades involving LeSean McCoy, Kiko Alonso, Mike Wallace and Kenny Stills, we’ve created the 11 best trade scenarios that should happen this offseason. These trades make sense based on the direction that each of these franchises seem to be heading. The free agency period to this point will have heavy influence on these potential moves.
Which trades would you like to see and why? Make sure you leave your thoughts and proposals below in the comments section. Let’s have some fun.
1. Arizona Cardinals Welcome Adrian Peterson
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"Adrian Peterson told #Vikings he's still not happy. Ball totally in their court. If he goes on block, #Cardinals will offer high draft pick.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 14, 2015"
The Minnesota Vikings have tried to make it work with star running back Adrian Peterson, but the damage might be too deep at this point. The franchise might need to move on and take the highest offer. That offer could come from the Arizona Cardinals.
It’s hard to gauge fair market value for a near-30-year-old running back, but a second-round pick seems viable. Peterson is a true freak athlete that is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. He can surely contribute at a high level for the next two seasons, if not more.
Getting Carson Palmer back and adding Adrian Peterson would put the Cardinals right with Seattle as contenders entering 2015.
2. New York Jets Trade Dee Milliner to Tennessee Titans
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New head coach Todd Bowles has some familiar but still shiny new toys to work with in his secondary. The New York Jets again have Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie as their starting cornerbacks. Add in slot corner Buster Skrine and safety Marcus Gilchrist, and the Jets have the second most expensive secondary in football in 2015.
So, where does that leave 2013 first-round pick Dee Milliner? He is certainly the odd-man out now. He’s also a valuable trade chip for the Jets to pawn off.
The best landing spot for Milliner via a trade is the Tennessee Titans. The Titans second-round pick is proper value for a talented cornerback still on a rookie contract. A defense remade with Milliner, Da’Norris Searcy, Brian Orakpo and the second overall pick would be a fearsome group.
3. Cleveland Browns Swap Picks with Washington Redskins
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These two franchises are in different developmental phases. They can work together on a trade that benefits both parties.
In our scenario, for the Cleveland Browns to move up to the fifth overall pick, they trade their 12th and 77th overall picks to the Washington Redskins. The Browns then select receiver Kevin White or Amari Cooper, depending on which is available.
For Cleveland, the deal makes sense because owner Jimmy Haslem demands immediate success at any cost. Quarterback Johnny Manziel (or Josh McCown) needs an elite-level pass-catcher to be successful. Plug in White or Cooper and there’s finally a reliable receiver to work with.
The Redskins would be moving down a few spots, but after two years without a first round pick, they need more darts to throw. The 12th overall pick will still net a quality player such as Washington’s Danny Shelton or Texas’ Malcom Brown. The extra third-round pick can be used to pick a player. Or the pick could be moved in another trade.
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4. Atlanta Falcons Move Up for a Pass-Rusher
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The Atlanta Falcons finished 2014 tied for 31st in the NFL with 22 team sacks. That is not a successful formula for winning. To ensure they land an elite pass-rusher, the Falcons should consider trading with the Oakland Raiders.
To move up from the eighth pick to the fourth overall, Atlanta could deal its third-round pick. This would likely secure a top pass-rusher from the class. Clemson’s Vic Beasley or Nebraska’s Randy Gregory could find themselves available at the pick.
From Oakland’s perspective, it can still land a top wide receiver or a leftover pass-rusher at No. 8 overall. The Raiders need more depth than Atlanta, though, so taking Shane Ray of Missouri along with an extra mid-round pick is still a winning situation. Oakland's rebuild is contingent on drafting well and hinging on smart deals like this.
5. New Orleans Saints Prepare for the Future
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The Saints’ revamp this offseason seems to be preparing for the inevitable divorce from quarterback Drew Brees in the near future. Despite the restructuring of several contracts on the team, Brees' salary has yet to be touched. That might be an indication that he will remain with the team. The change is coming, and the question is when, not if.
Now with an extra first- and third-round pick, Sean Payton can maneuver to get his next franchise quarterback. The Saints offer a very enticing situation for former Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. If Mariota is available, the Saints should trade the 13th- and 75th-overall picks to the St. Louis Rams for the 10th-overall pick.
St. Louis has a history of accumulating picks, so this move fits. Jeff Fisher seems happy with Nick Foles as his quarterback. That’s the biggest question mark on the St. Louis roster. An extra third-round pick is worth moving down just a few spots.
6. St. Louis Unloads Michael Brockers
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When the St. Louis Rams signed Nick Fairley, Michael Brockers immediately became expendable. The defensive tackle has been decent so far in his young career, but apparently not good enough for the Rams. He should be traded for the Cincinnati Bengals’ second-round pick, 53rd overall.
The Bengals could use a defensive tackle badly. Their 2014 rotation of Domata Peko, Devon Still and Brandon Thompson showed almost zero competence. Michael Brockers can fix that and complement Geno Atkins well. The run-stuffer still has significant upside with his athleticism. The Bengals have a history of maximizing talent.
7. Philadelphia Eagles Part Ways with Evan Mathis
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As Chip Kelly continues to deconstruct the Philadelphia Eagles’ roster, Evan Mathis could be the next domino to fall. The All-Pro guard is 33 years old, but he is still one of the very best players at his position. His trade market should include any contender that runs a zone-blocking scheme.
The best landing spot for Mathis is to the Denver Broncos for their fourth-round pick. Denver is looking to replace Orlando Franklin. Mathis is a perfect short-term fix. He’s an amazing run-blocker and is accomplished in pass protection.
Philadelphia would likely spend one of its mid-round picks to replace Mathis. Kelly has been wheeling and dealing so far. Don’t be surprised when Mathis is moved at this point.
8. Minnesota Vikings Deal Cordarrelle Patterson
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The Minnesota Vikings are retooling their receiving corps. The team traded for Mike Wallace and released Greg Jennings this week. Minnesota's former first-round pick, Cordarrelle Patterson, is also on the trade block now.
A trade to accommodate Patterson makes a lot of sense. Patterson is a great athlete but a very poor wide receiver. He runs terrible routes and may need to move to running back to get more involved on offense. In college at Tennessee, Patterson was highly productive as a return man and running back, averaging 28 yards a return and 12.3 yards per carry.
The team that fits Patterson best is the San Diego Chargers. After losing Ryan Mathews and Eddie Royal in free agency, the Chargers could use a dynamic presence in the backfield and slot position. The cost should be as low as a fourth-round pick.
9. Detroit Lions Solidify Their Line
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Even after losing Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley to free agency, the Detroit Lions should be looking to upgrade their offensive line first and foremost. The issue is that they could miss out on the offensive line run that could start in the middle of the first round.
That means they need to jump up a few spots to where the San Francisco 49ers sit to beat the rush and get their pick of the litter. The best target would be Florida’s D.J. Humphries. He’s been a fast riser since he declared for the NFL draft due to his elite blend of size, athleticism and strength. His technique is very raw right now, but the potential is there.
To move from 23rd to 15th would probably cost the Lions a third round pick this year and maybe a fourth round pick in 2016. But protecting Matt Stafford and building a strong running game should take top priority. Humphries can help fill out an otherwise good offensive line.
10. The New England Patriots Get Aggressive
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After losing Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, the New England Patriots need help at cornerback. One player rumored to be on the trading block is New Orleans cornerback Keenan Lewis. This is a deal that makes a lot of sense.
The Saints would likely ask for a mid-round pick for Lewis. He’s making just $1.8 million this year in base salary. As the Saints rebuild their roster, every little bit of financial gain and accumulation of draft picks is appealing. Lewis' talent is starting-caliber still. The Patriots would immediately improve their depleted secondary with Lewis in the mix.
11. Seattle Acquires Another Playmaker
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The splashy trade for Jimmy Graham shocked everyone across the NFL-landscape. Russell Wilson now has a bonafide receiver, which is something the franchise has tried to find for three years. Even now, the team shouldn’t stop adding around its foundational piece on offense.
A nice weapon that could come cheap is St. Louis receiver, Tavon Austin. Austin has disappointed under the tutelage of Brian Schottenheimer, but Seattle could be the fresh start he needs. Austin has been explosive but inconsistent in his first few years.
If Austin only costs Seattle a conditional third-round pick in 2015, that’s a deal it should consider. Austin can help on returns and be a creator as a receiver in space.
All stats used are from Sports-Reference.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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