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New York Giants general manager David Gettleman has in the past pushed back against trading down in the NFL Draft, dating back to his days with the Carolina Panthers. In fact, he has not traded down in the first round in any of his first eight drafts as a GM.
Slated to select 11th overall and with specific needs after an active NFL free agent period, that could change next week. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported recently that the Giants have fielded calls for said selection and are internally discussing the possibility of moving down.
It goes without saying that the Giants would be in a good position in a trade-down scenario should one of the five likely first-round quarterbacks remain on the board at 11.
However, there’s also a scenario here that suggests teams in need of help on defense could come calling with the 2021 NFL Draft seen as top-heavy on the offensive side of the ball. Below, we look at three trade-down scenarios for the New York Giants during the annual event.
Read More: New York Giants mock draft: Full 7-round 2021 NFL Draft projections with trades
New York Giants trade down with the New England Patriots
New England’s decision to retain Cam Newton while ignoring what was a robust trade market at quarterback has sent some signals. This includes the possibility that Bill Belichick and Co. are looking to move up from the 15th selection in the 2021 NFL Draft for a quarterback. The likes of Justin Fields (Ohio State), Trey Lance (North Dakota State) and Mac Jones (Alabama) are all seen as options. Should one of these signal callers be available at 11, New England might be willing to offer a premium in a trade-up scenario.
A move of this ilk would likely net New York the Patriots’ second-round pick in 2021 (46th overall) and potentially even a future mid-round selection. In turn, the Giants might be able to add a player at a need position in offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker from USC or a true edge pass rusher in former Michigan standout Kwity Paye.
Read More: NFL trade rumors: Latest updates and information for 2021 offseason
New York Giants trade down with the Las Vegas Raiders
It seems to be a foregone conclusion that Jon Gruden and the Raiders are going to go defense with the 17th pick after this unit gave up nearly 30 points per game last season. The addition of defensive coordinator Gus Bradley adds another layer to this. With each of the first nine picks potentially slated to be on the offensive side of the ball, the Raiders have a real possibility to add one of the top-end defenders in the class.
Under this scenario, former Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons would be the Raiders’ target at 11. He fills a major need in the defensive front seven and looks to be a future Pro Bowler. In turn, Las Vegas sends New York its second-round pick (48th overall) and one of its third-round selections (79th or 80th overall).
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New York Giants trade down with the Indianapolis Colts
After acquiring the struggling Carson Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the offseason, the onus is now on general manager Chris Ballard to find him a franchise left tackle. Selecting 21st overall in next week’s NFL Draft, the Colts really aren’t in a position to do that short of trading up in the first round.
That’s where the Giants come in to play at 11. There’s an outside chance consensus No. 1 tackle prospect Penei Sewell is available at 11. If not, Rashawn Slater from Northwestern or Virginia Tech’s Christian Darrisaw could make sense here. In return, the Giants would likely net Indianapolis’ first-round pick in 2022 in this hypothetical trade.
Read More: 2021 NFL mock draft: QBs dominate top-10 picks, big trades