Who Could Trade Up, Down in the 2015 NFL Draft?
As much fun as the mock drafts can be, we all know they're going to be for naught when the trades start happening on draft day. The 2015 NFL draft should be one of the more fun events in recent years, as there is as much uncertainty as ever at the top. A flurry of moves could occur in the top 10, which would really make this a draft to remember.
We've compiled a slideshow of five teams that could be looking to trade up and five that could trade down. All the teams have their own reasoning for a potential move, depending on where players land prior to their particular picks. These teams have been chosen based on their free-agency signings and losses and pre-draft rumblings.
Do you want your team to move up or down? Make sure to voice your thoughts in the comments section below.
Trading Up: San Diego Chargers
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The old adage says where there's smoke, there's fire. If applicable to the NFL, then there must be a wildfire taking place. The San Diego Chargers have at least considered trading quarterback Philip Rivers in order to get a top-five pick to land Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.
The Chargers' willingness to give up their franchise quarterback would be a major risk. Mariota is a good prospect, but moving multiple picks and Rivers is a franchise-altering decision. Rivers, who turns 34 in December, is looking for a new contract, so Mariota would be a long-term and cheaper investment.
Trading Down: Tennessee Titans
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Possessing the second overall pick, the Tennessee Titans have to make a very difficult decision. They have second-year quarterback Zach Mettenberger in the fold, and he fits with what head coach Ken Whisenhunt likes in his signal-callers. But Mettenberger didn’t show much in 2014 as a rookie, and the Titans have the chance to land Marcus Mariota.
If the Titans do not want Mariota, their best decision could be to trade down. There will be very good prospects on the board if they move down a few spots in a trade with the New York Jets. Of course, a deal for San Diego Chargers' quarterback Philip Rivers could be considered as well.
Trading Up: Philadelphia Eagles
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The Philadelphia Eagles have eight picks in the 2015 draft, giving head coach Chip Kelly some flexibility to move up if he wants. Even if he cannot get into the top 10 for Marcus Mariota, the Eagles may want to secure a cornerback or receiver. Multiple teams in the mid-teens have needs at both those positions, which could start a run before the Eagles pick at No. 20 overall.
Potential targets for the Eagles at cornerback could include UConn's Byron Jones, Washington's Marcus Peters or Wake Forest's Kevin Johnson. At receiver, fits include Louisville's DeVante Parker and USC's Nelson Agholor.
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Trading Down: Oakland Raiders
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Since there are numerous quality pass-rushers available at the top of the 2015 draft, the Oakland Raiders look like a candidate to move down a few spots. The Raiders are in the market for a top playmaker at receiver, and they might be able to land West Virginia's Kevin White or Alabama's Amari Cooper a few spots lower.
To trade down but stay in the top 10 is a risky move, but Oakland would score an extra mid-round pick. If Marcus Mariota somehow falls to the fourth overall pick, then the Raiders would likely ask for a premium even to move down two or three spots.
Trading Up: Denver Broncos
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Armed with 10 picks in the 2015 draft, the Denver Broncos will surely move up at some point. The first round makes too much sense, as the Broncos need a right tackle, but they may not have their pick of the litter at No. 28 overall.
General manager John Elway has continued to build an all-in culture, so an aggressive move up into the teens makes sense. His targets could include LSU tackle La'el Collins and Florida tackle D.J. Humphries. Each is an instant plug-and-play starter and has the upside to become a great long-term player.
Trading Down: Baltimore Ravens
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Few teams lost as much talent this offseason as the Baltimore Ravens. Free agency wasn't kind to the organization, and now general manager Ozzie Newsome has serious work to do. Being able to fill numerous needs with only three picks in the top 100 will be difficult.
By using the No. 26 overall pick to trade down, the Ravens can drop into the second round and score another third-round pick. Meanwhile, they'd save millions in 2015 for a similarly talented player with their newly acquired second-round pick. With needs at cornerback, wide receiver and defensive end, this is a scenario that could work out well for them.
Trading Up: New Orleans Saints
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After trading All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham to the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, the New Orleans Saints have two first-round picks to help start their youth movement. There are two directions the Saints can now go. The first is to move up for their quarterback of the future, Marcus Mariota. The other would be to move up with the No. 31 pick to add an impact defensive player.
If the Saints want to grab Mariota, they might need to give up their No. 13 and No. 31 picks to get high enough. He'd be the obvious heir to quarterback Drew Brees and a great fit with head coach Sean Payton. Moving up from No. 13 could also be in the mix if the Saints want to land a top-tier receiver like Alabama's Amari Cooper or West Virginia's Kevin White.
Trading Down: Minnesota Vikings
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The Minnesota Vikings are in a very interesting position at No. 11 overall. They need better offensive line play, but unless they want to move on from left tackle Matt Kalil, there won't be a bona fide upgrade available. Minnesota's line should improve in 2015 as long as everyone stays healthy.
Minnesota has a long-term need for a wide receiver, and it could use a cornerback. But neither position is in dire need of upgrading in 2015. The best move is to move down, gather picks for 2016 and add young talent of similar value. Forcing a pick at No. 11 won't be the best move for the franchise if a solid trade is on the table.
Trading Up: Cleveland Browns
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Even with quarterback Johnny Manziel returning to the team, the Cleveland Browns could be on the lookout for another signal-caller. Oregon’s Marcus Mariota has been the apple of general manager Ray Farmer's eye for a year, so if he starts to slide, expect the Browns to be in the running to move up.
If Mariota is gone, the Browns could still move up with one of their two first-round picks. Adding a mid-round sweetener to their No. 12 pick could land them one of the top three receivers in the class, which would fill a massive need on offense.
Trading Down: New England Patriots
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The New England Patriots are the masters of the draft. They know that more picks lead to more chances at hitting the draft lottery. Expect the Patriots to move down at some point in 2015 and add future assets while saving money right now.
If there were any draft class to be active in moving down, it's this one. The talent gap between the 15th- and 90th-best players isn't significant, so trading out of the 32nd overall pick is wise. Not only would the Patriots save on first-round money, but they would also have more trade chips and picks for later.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Draft Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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