The 2020 NFL Draft is a week away and there is plenty of speculation that this could be a very active year for trades. Given all of the talent available and teams seeking to make a big splash, we could see several blockbuster deals that shake up the first round.
Everyone’s focus for potential trades is on teams eyeing a move for a quarterback. The Detroit Lions and New York Giants are rightfully hoping a general manager calls up with an offer they can’t refuse.
There’s plenty of other talent worth trading up for, too. We’ve already heard rumors about general managers eyeing some elite prospects, players they won’t be able to land if they stand pat. It adds even more intrigue for an exciting event.
Here are five trades that would shake up the 2020 NFL Draft.
Chargers jump over Dolphins for their franchise quarterback
- TRADE: Chargers acquire No. 4 overall pick from the New York Giants for the No. 6 and No. 71 overall selections
The Chargers struck out on Tom Brady this offseason, pushing the team to promote Tyrod Taylor as their likely starter for the upcoming season. While Taylor can be serviceable, he’s far from the long-term solution at the position. The Chargers need a new face to market in Los Angeles and while Justin Herbert isn’t a top-five prospect, he will likely be a top-five pick.
The Miami Dolphins are reportedly very high on Justin Herbert and would seemingly love to take him with the No. 5 overall pick. Miami isn’t in a position where it needs to trade up, though, which puts pressure on the Chargers. By parting with their third-round pick, Los Angeles lands its quarterback of the future. Meanwhile, the Giants can still grab a top offensive tackle after moving down two spots.
Buccaneers trade into top-10 for a top offensive tackle
- TRADE: Buccaneers send No. 14 pick, No. 76 overall and a 2021 third-round pick to the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 8 overall selection
Tampa Bay is putting all of their chips on the table with Tom Brady. They must find a top offensive tackle to complete this offensive line, giving Brady time to throw and unlocking the true potential for this offense. Given the unlikelihood of a top lineman falling to the No. 14 pick, Tampa Bay pushes its way up the draft.
Thomas played at both tackle spots in college, making him the ideal target for Tampa Bay. This is a team that desperately needs to upgrade at right tackle and Thomas brings the skills to be a stud from his first snap. He’s a smart player with impressive technique and excels in run blocking. Once he’s added to Tampa Bay’s offensive line, Brady will have all day to throw. As for the Cardinals, they pick up two third-round picks and can still grab an offensive tackle or defender a few spots later.
Falcons make a splash for a top defender
- TRADE: Atlanta sends its No. 16 overall and No. 47 overall selections to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the No. 9 and No. 116 picks.
We know general manager Thomas Dimitroff isn’t afraid to pull off a big move, he loves shaking things up. He’ll be under additional pressure this year and could be making decisions with his job on the line. Many around the NFL expect the Falcons to make a big move and this is the perfect situation to accomplish that.
While Atlanta gives up its second-round selection, the cost is easily worth it for Isaiah Simmons. He lit up the NFL Combine with an absurd performance and proved he is an elite talent. The versatile defender can be a chess piece in Dan Quinn’s defense, lining up all over the field and used in a variety of ways. He is the kind of impact player this team needs and grabbing him at this spot is perfect. The Jaguars pick up another top-50 selection and can still grab a receiver with the No. 16 selection.
Broncos fly up the board to grab their No. 1 receiver
- TRADE: Broncos send the No. 15 and No. 77 picks to the New York Jets for the No. 11 pick
The Broncos firmly believe in Drew Lock as their franchise quarterback. If he’s going to reach the heights they think he is capable of, John Elway needs to surround him with top talent. That seems to be Denver’s plan and the front office is likely willing to move up to accomplish it. There are plenty of choices for the Broncos, but we’ll give them the receiver they reportedly love.
Imagine adding DeAndre Hopkins to this offense. That’s the kind of player CeeDee Lamb could become rather quickly in his NFL career. He makes absurd catches look routine, boasts an incredible leaping ability and is impossible to take down in the open field. Lamb would take over the No. 1 receiver spot immediately in Denver and pair with Courtland Sutton for an unstoppable duo. Supported by a dominant running game and two great receivers, Lock can thrive in this offense.
Cowboys jump up for a shutdown cornerback
- TRADE: Dallas sends the No. 15 overall pick and a 2021 second-round selection to the Las Vegas Raiders for the No. 12 overall pick
The Cowboys are a wildcard for the 2020 NFL Draft. The team could easily view trading down and taking the top center to replace Travis Frederick as the best move. As Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones watch the picks unfold, though, the chance to go up and land a shutdown cornerback can’t be ignored.
Henderson is a top-10 talent in this class, but he falls with teams scooping up offensive tackles. It’s great news for the Cowboys. They can use a 2021 second-round pick to move up three spots and grab a cornerback who excels in coverage. He offers the potential to be a Pro Bowl player as a rookie and he could even cause a few turnovers. An organization that isn’t afraid of bold moves would immediately see the rewards from this trade.