As the 2023 NFL Draft nears, NFL rumor season heats up. Teams are jockeying for position to get their guy, or at least not be left holding the bag on a roster need.
The Baltimore Ravens signed Odell Beckham Jr. to a one year, $15 million deal. The Ravens were the only team in on Beckham at that price point or its vicinity, at more than double the second highest offer around the league. Other teams feel it was a move designed to bring Lamar Jackson back to the fold.
In addition to wide receivers, there’s plenty of interior defensive line pieces available for trade around the league right now. Both San Francisco 49ers lineman Javon Kinlaw and Ed Oliver of the Buffalo Bills could be had relatively inexpensively.
Related: Sportsnaut’s 2023 NFL mock draft
Arizona Cardinals active in trade down front
Arizona wants to stockpile picks for the future as they begin their rebuild. It’s no secret they’re shopping both DeAndre Hopkins and the third overall pick in the NFL Draft.
The Cardinals are in a unique position in having Kyler Murray and a first-year general manager and head coach. They can begin a rip and strip rebuild and have the time to see it through. Stockpiling capital in year one is smart and allows them to roll forward with flexibility.
Other NFL Draft rumors
- The quarterback situation in the NFL Draft is getting interesting. Carolina has been openly tipping a Bryce Young selection for over a week. There are those in the building that love him. If they do take Young, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Houston pass on quarterback at two. Will Anderson comes into play and then it gets interesting.
The Colts are rumored to prefer Will Levis to Anthony Richardson. But with Arizona wanting to trade out of No. 3 and the Titans, Vikings and Raiders all eye-balling a potential move up, things get interesting. Stroud, Levis and Richardson would all be available in this scenario. Who knows what chaos could get injected into the top of the draft?
Related: Top 2023 NFL trade rumors
- The Broncos were shopping several assets this off-season, but were disappointed by offers. Prior to the Ravens signing Beckham, there was a lot of momentum on a Courtland Sutton trade there, but ultimately it didn’t come to fruition.
The Broncos only have five picks in the NFL Draft and still have several holes on both sides of the ball.
Interestingly, they’ve been open about their interest in tight ends in the draft despite the draft investment in Greg Dulcich last year.
- I expect Seattle to add to the defensive lineman if they stay at five. Whether that’s the embattled Jalen Carter, I’m not sure. Though, I was told they like him. I don’t think he falls further than Philadelphia at 10.
If the Eagles were to trade up for Carter, Seattle does like Devon Witherspoon, the cornerback out of Illinois.
- The Raiders are eyeing the corner position as well. It’s something for teams moving up and down around them to keep an eye on.
Don’t be surprised if the New Orleans Saints make a splash for a quarterback if one slips. They’ve been quietly doing their homework, including the third tier guys like Hendon Hooker and Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
- The Giants have been eyeing corners and receivers. I’m told have been very impressed with Oklahoma pass catcher Marvin Mims, a potential Day 2 pick.
The team and running back Saquon Barkley remain quite far apart on a long term deal as well.
- The 49ers have some quarterback decisions to make between Brock Purdy, Trey Lance and Sam Darnold but they don’t feel like decisions need to be made any time soon. They are happy to let it play out over the course of training camp and see where they’re at.
Dallas will be looking at corners in this draft, and have been doing their homework on day 2 guys.
Looking forward to sharing the latest with you all next week as I hear it.
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