NFL fans around the world are on pins and needles with the countdown to the draft reaching the two-week mark.
Ignore the flashy lights of free agency, the NFL draft is the true backbone of good NFL teams. With that being said, the draft is also a big time for trades involving draft picks and the occasional player or two.
Let’s take a look at some possible trade back scenarios for the Oakland Raiders. Also, we will focus on teams moving up in the draft to take a quarterback, as needing a QB is the clearest signal for a possible move up in the draft.
To begin, it must be noted that the trade value of the Raiders’ tenth overall pick will be directly tied to the players on the board. So, if one of the top four quarterbacks (Allen, Darnold, Mayfield, and Rosen) are available then the Raiders pick will hold a greater trade value. This is mainly because of the greater likelihood of a team trading up for one of those QB’s as opposed to the second tier; see Lamar Jackson and Mason Rudolph.
So, each team below with have two trade scenarios: a trade with one of the Top 4 being available and a trade with only Jackson and Rudolph being still undrafted. If you think pick #10 is way too high for Rudolph, remember EJ Manuel and Blaine Gabbert were all first round picks. Teams will reach for a quarterback if they think they are “the guy”.
Buffalo Bills (Picks #12 and #22)
The Buffalo Bills never would commit to Tyrod Taylor. After a mid-season benching for no apparent reason and a trip to the postseason, Taylor was shipped to Cleveland this off-season. Although the Bills signed A.J. McCarron, many believe they still look to add a true franchise QB.
If 1 of the Top 4 are available
Raiders receive pick 12 plus a 2nd Round pick.
Bills receive pick 10.
If only Jackson and Rudolph are available
Raiders receive pick 22, a 2nd and 4th Round pick.
Bills receive pick 10 and a 6th Round pick.
Arizona Cardinals (Pick #15)
The Cardinals signed the injury-prone Sam Bradford to a quite ridiculous one-year deal. While this will undoubtedly blow up in their face, the Cardinals remain in the hunt for a QB. The Cardinals would likely love to jump up and take one of the Top 4 if available, but they could also look to move up in the draft if they feel pressure from other teams for Lamar Jackson.
If 1 of the Top 4 are available
Raiders receive pick 15, the Cardinals’ 2nd Round pick, and a 3rd in 2019.
Cardinals receive pick 10 and the Raiders’ 6th Rounder in 2019.
If only Jackson and Rudolph are available
Raiders receive pick 15 and Cardinals’ 2nd Round pick.
Cardinals receive pick 10.
Baltimore Ravens (Pick #16) / LA Chargers (Pick #17)
The Baltimore Ravens and L.A. Chargers find themselves in similar situations. Both have suffered through some recent mediocre seasons and find themselves with aging QB’s. While a quarterback taken at 10 won’t start for either the Ravens nor the Chargers, Joe Flacco and Philip Rivers are running out of time. However, starting a rookie QB rarely seems to work out well.
Unfortunately, with both the Ravens and Chargers having a guy who could be their starter for the next 2-3 years, this trade would likely bring in less return for the Raiders than with a team with an immediate need at quarterback. Personally, I believe a trade with the Ravens is more likely because the Chargers are in the AFC West, why help them get a QB they want?
If 1 of the Top 4 are available
Raiders get 16/17, 2nd Round pick, 4th Round pick, and 5th Round pick.
Ravens/Chargers get 10.
If only Jackson and Rudolph are available
Raiders get 16/17 and 2nd Round pick.
Ravens/Chargers get 10.
New England Patriots (Pick #23 and #31)
Tom Brady can’t play forever, probably. Bill Belichick already had two QB’s who could’ve possibly replaced him (Garappolo and Brissett) but both started at QB elsewhere in 2017 after trades. The Patriots reportedly have shown interest in Lamar Jackson. With both the Patriots’ picks being so low in the first round, it would likely take both to make the jump to 10. A year or two behind Brady would likely do a lot to help a young signal-caller.
If 1 of the Top 4 are available
Raiders get picks 23 and 31 plus a 4th Round pick.
Patriots get pick 10 and a 6th Round pick.
If only Jackson and Rudolph are available
Raiders get pick 23, a 2nd Round pick, a 3rd Round pick, plus a 3rd Round pick in 2019.
Patriots get 10.
New Orleans Saints (Pick #27) / Pittsburgh Steelers (Pick #28)
The Saints and Steelers are also in similar positions. Both have only one late pick in the first round, have a franchise QB on the way out, and made deep runs in the playoffs this year. Brees just signed a new 2-year deal, which could be his last. Ben Roethlisberger contemplated retirement but decided to return for 2018. Both need a QB and sooner than both fan bases are willing to admit.
If 1 of the Top 4 are available
Raiders get 27/28, a 1st Round pick in 2019, and a 3rd Round pick.
Saints get 10 and a 7th Round pick.
If only Jackson and Rudolph are available
Raiders get 27/28, a 2nd Round pick, a 3rd Round pick, plus a 3rd Round pick in 2019.
Saints get 10.
Okay, Raider Nation let us know what you think of these plausible scenarios.
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