Denver Broncos: 2021 trade-up for Trey Lance mock draft scenario
As we are now under the one-week mark until the 2021 NFL Draft begins, expect the whirlwinds to pick up adamantly. For the Denver Broncos, expect many to be surrounding the possibility of trading up or down.
There have already been multiple reports surrounding the Denver Broncos and their desire to select one of the top quarterbacks in this year’s class. Are all of these reports true, somewhat true, or complete smokescreens?
That is the unknown and will proceed to be that way until April 29th. First-year General Manager George Paton has been running quite the tight ship in Dove Valley.
If these “reports” are true, and the Denver Broncos are going to be aggressive, the first thing that must happen is Paton has to find a willing trade partner. Out of the teams that are selecting above the Broncos, who would be possibly willing to trade down?
- Atlanta Falcons- 4th overall pick
- Cincinnati Bengals-5th overall pick
- Miami Dolphins- 6th overall pick
- Detroit Lions- 7th overall pick
- Carolina Panthers- 8th overall pick
As I preview the 2021 NFL Draft, I believe the Atlanta Falcons will be in on tight end Kyle Pitts. While they could certainly move back, the right quarterback would have to fall to the fourth overall pick to influence this decision on the Broncos’ brass.
Moving up to the fourth overall selection would bring the utmost sacrifice, but if Paton believes in a certain quarterback, make the deal.
With the Joe Burrow-influenced Cincinnati Bengals, I do not see the Bengals moving off of their pick. They could use a playmaker wide receiver or tackle to help rising star, Joe Burrow. Ja’Marr Chase would be my guess here, and I think they’d address tackle on day two. There just simply isn’t another player with the capabilities of Chase, while there are serviceable tackles on day two.
The Miami Dolphins, selecting at the 6th overall selection is where trades may start to pick up steam. Up to this point, there have already moved twice in the first round, and are reportedly open to moving back again.
With these trades, the Dolphins have done a phenomenal job of manipulating the draft. They are maximizing the number of picks they could possibly acquire while staying in the range of drafting a player they love. Current second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa would love to reunite with a former teammate of his, say wide receiver, Jaylen Waddle.
Waddle or Devonta Smith will almost certainly be available at pick number 9, which could make them an ideal candidate to move back.
First-year Head Coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks like he wants to draft a certain player who is going to want to bite some knee caps off. That being said, reports are out there in regards to the Lions being willing to move back. This would be a great spot to move up, as It would require minimal capital to move, compared to the fourth spot.
Moving up two spots may cost the Broncos a couple of mid-round picks but no premier picks should be involved. This Lions team isn’t going to be competitive for a while, it would be wise for them to bring some talent and youth in an attempt of rebuilding this roster.
With the 8th overall, I could see the Matt Rhule-coached Carolina Panthers trading back. About a month ago, they traded draft capital away for a hopeful franchise quarterback, Sam Darnold.
In efforts to recoup some of that capital, they may be willing to move back a slot to pick up an extra early day three selection. This draft spot is tricky, as if the Broncos were trying to be patient in efforts to obtain a quarterback, other teams will be aware and push a larger deal for the 8th overall pick.
Getting in a bidding war, to move up one selection never looks good, especially when looking at the Mitchell Trubisky deal.