2014 NFL Draft Rumors: Teams Inquire About Moving Up
By Ben Nielsen
Feb 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Quarterback Blake Bortles (FL), Stephen Morris (L), Tajh Boyd (R), and Teddy Bridgewater (FR) talk during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Success in this weekend’s draft may rest in John Dorsey’s ability to acquire more picks. There was some worry because of the depth of the draft that teams would not be interested in moving up to acquire the Chiefs’ 23rd overall pick. According to Adam Schefter, those fears should be taken down a notch or two.
Teams that have inquired about trading UP include DET, NYJ, CLEV (from 26), SF, HOU (from round 2 into 1), ATL (from round 2 into 1).
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 8, 2014
The three teams of note here are Cleveland (26th overall), San Francisco (30th overall and two second round picks), Houston (first overall pick in second round), and Atlanta (fifth overall pick in the second round). Each of those teams could be looking at the 23rd overall pick for one reason or another.
In San Francisco’s case, they’ll be looking for a wide receiver, possibly Odell Beckham or Brandin Cooks. While it would be hard for the Chiefs to pass on either of those wide receivers, trading down would be the right move. The draft is full of wide receivers who could help the Chiefs now and in the future, so moving down to add another pick or two so they could add depth to other positions would be ideal for the Chiefs.
Atlanta may be looking for a wide receiver as well given the increasing age of Roddy White, the loss of Tony Gonzalez, and Julio Jones’ injury. What may be more likely is cornerback. Atlanta has some serious issues on the defensive side of the ball and adding one of the top corners in the draft – should one fall towards Kansas City – would be ideal.
The most likely scenario involves Houston and Cleveland trading up to ensure they land a quarterback. Both teams are expect to pass on quarterbacks with their top picks but are said to desire a quarterback early in the draft. Cleveland could be looking to move up a few spots to ensure Houston cannot jump them in order to draft either Johnny Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, or Derek Carr.
Is there a trade here you’d like to see, Addicts?