10 Nfl Draft Trades 2024 Strategies To Win

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, teams are finalizing their strategies to maximize their chances of landing top talent. Draft trades have become an integral part of the NFL’s annual selection process, allowing teams to maneuver and secure the players they covet. Here, we’ll explore 10 potential NFL Draft trade strategies that could lead to success in 2024, along with the underlying reasoning and potential outcomes.

1. Trade Back and Accumulate Picks: Teams with high draft picks, such as the Chicago Bears or the Houston Texans, may consider trading back to accumulate more picks in the later rounds. This strategy allows them to address multiple positional needs while also building depth on their roster. For example, the Bears could trade their first-round pick (currently 10th overall) to a team like the Green Bay Packers, who are eager to move up and select a top quarterback prospect. In return, the Bears could receive a second-round pick, a third-round pick, and a future first-round pick, giving them the ammunition to make multiple selections and strengthen their roster.

2. Move Up for a Franchise Quarterback: With several top quarterback prospects available in the 2024 draft, teams like the Indianapolis Colts or the Las Vegas Raiders may aim to trade up to secure their franchise signal-caller. This strategy involves giving up valuable draft capital, but the potential reward of finding a long-term solution at the most critical position in football can be well worth the cost. For instance, the Colts could trade their first-round pick (currently 15th overall) and a future second-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers, who hold the 5th overall pick, to select a top quarterback prospect like Drake Maye or Caleb Williams.

3. Target a Specific Position of Need: Teams often enter the draft with a clear understanding of their roster’s strengths and weaknesses. By identifying a specific position of need, such as wide receiver or edge rusher, teams can focus their trade efforts on moving up or down to select a player who fills that gap. The New York Jets, for example, might trade their second-round pick and a fourth-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs, who hold the 25th overall pick, to select a top wide receiver prospect like Jordan Addison or Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

4. Leverage Multiple First-Round Picks: Teams with multiple first-round picks, such as the Seattle Seahawks or the Detroit Lions, hold significant leverage in draft trade negotiations. By using one of these picks as a trade chip, they can move up or down the board to address multiple needs or secure a top talent. For example, the Seahawks could trade their 20th overall pick and a third-round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers, who hold the 10th overall pick, to select a top edge rusher prospect like Will Anderson Jr. or Myles Murphy.

5. Trade Down and Build for the Future: Teams with established rosters, such as the Baltimore Ravens or the Buffalo Bills, might opt to trade down and accumulate picks in future drafts. This strategy allows them to build a war chest of draft capital, which can be used to make moves in subsequent years or to extend the contracts of key players. The Ravens, for instance, could trade their first-round pick (currently 25th overall) to the Minnesota Vikings, who are eager to move up and select a top defensive prospect, in exchange for a second-round pick, a third-round pick, and a future first-round pick.

6. Make a Splash with a Blockbuster Trade: Occasionally, a team will make a bold, blockbuster trade to shake up the draft landscape. This strategy involves giving up significant draft capital, but the potential reward of landing a game-changing player can be substantial. The Los Angeles Rams, for example, might trade their first-round pick (currently 35th overall), a second-round pick, and a future first-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who hold the 5th overall pick, to select a top defensive prospect like Will Anderson Jr. or Tyree Wilson.

7. Address Depth Concerns with Mid-Round Trades: While early-round picks often garner the most attention, mid-round trades can be just as impactful. Teams can use these picks to address depth concerns, adding players who can contribute immediately and develop into starters over time. The Tennessee Titans, for instance, could trade their third-round pick and a fifth-round pick to the Denver Broncos, who hold the 70th overall pick, to select a top tight end prospect like Braelon Allen or Brenton Strange.

8. Use Future Draft Picks as Trade Chips: Teams with a strong understanding of their future roster needs can use future draft picks as trade chips to make moves in the present. This strategy involves giving up potential future assets, but the immediate reward of landing a key player can be significant. The Kansas City Chiefs, for example, might trade a future first-round pick and a third-round pick to the Houston Texans, who hold the 10th overall pick, to select a top wide receiver prospect like Jordan Addison or Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

9. Focus on Day 2 and Day 3 Trades: While the first round often receives the most attention, the later rounds of the draft can be just as crucial. Teams can use Day 2 and Day 3 trades to address specific needs, add depth, or select players with high upside. The Green Bay Packers, for instance, could trade their fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons, who hold the 100th overall pick, to select a top cornerback prospect like Andrew Mukuba or Daxton Hill.

10. Stay Flexible and Adapt to Changing Circumstances: The NFL Draft is inherently unpredictable, and teams must be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances. Whether it’s a surprise pick, a trade that shakes up the board, or an unexpected player slide, teams that remain flexible and open to new opportunities will be best positioned to succeed. The New England Patriots, for example, might trade their second-round pick and a third-round pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who hold the 40th overall pick, to select a top linebacker prospect like Noah Sewell or Henry To’oTo’o, if they believe he will be available at that spot.

In conclusion, the 2024 NFL Draft presents a complex landscape of trade possibilities, each with its own potential risks and rewards. By understanding the different strategies and approaches outlined above, teams can navigate this landscape effectively and make informed decisions that position them for success in the short and long term.