It is always fun to speculate and predict trades that may happen on draft weekend. Here are a couple of scenarios I believe could play out come May 8th.
Houston Texans No. 1 -- > Cleveland Browns No. 4 & No. 35
The Houston Texans have spoken publically about trading this pick and the Browns need to jump above the Jacksonville Jaguars to get their franchise quarterback, whether it be Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel or Blake Bortles.
The Texans meanwhile, have a solid roster and may be happy to take the best player available at No. 4 if they value the aforementioned quarterbacks similarly. The extra second round pick could then be bundled with other picks to dip back into the end of the first round as they target offensive tackle, safety and wide receiver.
St. Louis Rams No. 2 --> Cleveland Browns No.4 & No. 35
The same principle applies here as the Browns go after their man. For the Rams they appear to be willing to give Sam Bradford anther season and they could be content on passing over Jadeveon Clowney in the hope a quarterback frenzy occurs and he is still there two picks later. Alternatively, they may be wise to target Sammy Watkins at No. 4 and address other needs such as offensive line and defensive back later.
St. Louis Rams No.2 --> Atlanta Falcons No. 6, No. 37 & No. 99
It is no secret that the Falcons’ defense weak and, if Clowney does not go first overall, then they may pull the trigger and go after him instead of waiting at No. 6 for Anthony Barr or Khalil Mack. As we have seen in the past the Falcons are not afraid to pull the trigger and trade up, just like they did in 2011 when they traded five picks to the Browns to select Julio Jones.
As is possible with the trade above, Greg Robinson or Jake Matthews may be the “guy” for the Rams and they could take either one here depending on availability.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers No. 7 --> Pittsburgh Steelers No. 15 & No. 46
I think this could be the perfect trade for both teams. The Steelers can finally shore up their offensive line with a left tackle (Robinson or Matthews), while the Bucs’ can take the best player remaining at a position of need whether it be tight end Eric Ebron, pass rusher Kony Ealy, offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, quarterback Derek Carr or one of the many first-round wide receivers. Ultimatley, the Buccaneers will be in a great position to manipulate the draft board to their desire.
New England Patriots No. 29 & No. 182 --> Minnesota Vikings No. 40, No. 72 & No. 168
What is a NFL Draft without a New England trade? The Patriots could find a number of reasons to trade down in a draft laden with talent, but this scenario is on the premise that the Vikings have a specific target to replace Percy Harvin. With a draft so deep it is inevitable one of the top receivers falls to the second round, however, teams do have their favorites and the Vikings go after theirs here.
From a Patriots perspective they can drop down and select from a number of luxury players that have first round talent such as guard David Yankey, defensive end Stephon Tuitt or cornerback Stanley Jean-Baptiste which will all fill big holes.