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A 2024 Draft-Day Trade That Makes Sense for Every NFL Team

Ryan Fowler

The NFL draft kicks off in one day, which means phone lines around the league will continue to buzz until proceedings conclude on Saturday evening.

Just last year we saw a historic number of draft-day deals, a record 41 in total, including six in Round 1 alone.

This spring, quarterbacks and offensive talent are expected to headline proceedings on Day 1, which could lead to more trades.

Let's explore a draft-day trade for each organization, including potential transactions for Carolina, Cleveland and Houston, who don't have a first-round pick.

Chicago Bears

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Bears Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 15), 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 82), 2025 Third-Round Pick, 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

Colts Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 9) 

As quarterback-heavy as the top 10 will be, the talent at pass-catcher will fly off the board immediately following the run on signal-callers.

While Chicago added Keenan Allen in the offseason to pair with DJ Moore, it could still stand pat and take either Rome Odunze (Washington) or Malik Nabers (LSU) if either is available.

However, Indianapolis doesn't have that luxury sitting outside the top 10 and is a team that needs help on the perimeter.

By trading back, the Bears accumulate more capital (they enter the draft with just four total picks) and put themselves in an excellent spot to add immediate help at tackle, edge or wherever they seem fit at No. 15.

Washington Commanders

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Commanders Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 1)

Bears Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 2), 2024 Second-Round Pick (No. 36), 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 67), 2025 First-Round Pick, 2025 Third-Round Pick

This trade package still might not be enough to intrigue Bears brass, but it's worth a shot.

Washington is trying to find its guy under center, plain and simple. Making a move to get your guy if you're GM Adam Peters shouldn't be criticized considering the talent of Caleb Williams.

While it looks etched in stone that Chicago will take Williams to kick things off on Thursday night, Peters could try to kick the tires of Chicago before Williams' card is ultimately turned in.

New England Patriots

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Patriots Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 6), 2024 Second-Round Pick (No. 47), 2024 Fifth-Round Pick (No. 166), 2025 Second-Round Pick

Giants Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 3)

While the Patriots remain a team much more than a young quarterback away, they at least are putting on a good act in that they won't move from No. 3 overall to ultimately grab a young signal-caller.

However, if New England brass eyes more draft capital to build the roster around veteran Jacoby Brissett, or a youth-infused QB not yet named, a move back three spots would present them flexibility to add at a variety of spots, including the option to make LSU's Malik Nabers its WR1 for the next decade.

Arizona Cardinals

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Cardinals Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 6), 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 70), 2025 Second-Round Pick, 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

Giants Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 4)

New York and GM Joe Schoen could get aggressive to try to add a QB.

In a draft that could see four quarterbacks taken in the first four selections, Arizona sits in a high-leverage spot right inside the top five. It'll take until the draft clock is rolling to see just how high other teams may want to come up, but trading back just a few spots to add capital without relinquishing the opportunity to take one of the premier wideouts would be good process.

A move back here could possibly see Marvin Harrison Jr fall into the lap of the Chargers at fifth overall, but the ranking of Harrison, Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze differs across league-wide draft boards. All three would be immediate contributors in the desert.

Los Angeles Chargers

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Chargers Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 11), 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 23), 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

Vikings Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 5), 2024 Round 4 Pick (No. 110)

Arizona may find it extremely difficult to trade out of the No. 4 overall spot, leaving the Vikings' only legitimate trade partner at No. 5 and the Los Angeles Chargers.

While Los Angeles' sights could be set on either OT Joe Alt (Notre Dame) or WR Malik Nabers (LSU) if QBs go one, two, three and Marvin Harrison Jr goes at four to Arizona, moving back while adding an additional first-rounder would be a nice way to kick off the Jim Harbaugh era in Los Angeles.

Among the list of players that could be available at No. 11 overall are TE Brock Bowers, OL Taliese Fuaga and OT Olu Fashanu.

New York Giants

Set Number: X164476 TK1

Giants Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 4)

Cardinals Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 6), 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 70), 2025 Second-Round Pick, 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

The team paid Daniel Jones handsomely last March, but he and free-agent addition Drew Lock fail to move the needle under center.

New York enters the draft with just six total picks, so trading any amount of extra capital beyond a first-round pick swap would be tough to swallow, but if Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy is the guy, then by all means, go get your guy.

The Giants sit in an excellent spot to take either WR Malik Nabers or WR Rome Odunze, but a long-term answer is needed under center and the former Wolverine in McCarthy could be the answer.

It also wouldn't be shocking to see GM Joe Schoen throw the farm at New England in an attempt to move up to No. 3 overall.

Tennessee Titans

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Titans Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 13), 2024 Second-Round Pick (No. 44), 2024 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 112)

Raiders Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 7)

Titans GM Ran Carthon has expressed he's keeping all options open.

While Tennessee sits in a spot to add an immediate impact player inside the top 10, adding capital while remaining in range to take a potential franchise left tackle at No. 13 is a very plausible hypothetical.

Notre Dame's Joe Alt has been a consistent match during the winter months, and while he could be the selection if Carthon stands pat, the names and talent go far beyond Alt in what is a historic pool of talent at the position this spring.

Atlanta Falcons

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Falcons Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 15), 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 82), 2024 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 117), 2025 Third-Round Pick

Colts Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 8)

Atlanta sits in an excellent spot inside the top 10.

While edge remains a major need for Atlanta, it'll be interesting to see how Terry Fontenot's staff has evaluated the position with a Nick Bosa, Myles Garrett, Will Anderson Jr. type of prospect not in this class.

Quarterback isn't a need, neither is wideout (at least on Day 1) and neither is tackle. The first seven picks could be only QBs, WRs and OTs, so the Falcons could have their pick of the premier defensive talent on their board.

If Fontenot doesn't believe Laiatu Latu (UCLA), Dallas Turner (Alabama) or Jared Verse (Florida State) is worth a top-10 pick, keeping the phone lines hot could present the opportunity to add capital and still take a top-tier pass-rusher just a few picks down the board.

New York Jets

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Jets Get: WR Brandon Aiyuk

49ers Get: 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 72), 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

The Jets enter the draft with a need at wideout (despite signing Mike Williams), and Brandon Aiyuk could be the addition New York needs to take the next step in the AFC.

From San Francisco's perspective, it makes sense as the team is already paying Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey, and QB Brock Purdy remains eligible for an extension next offseason. And at No. 31 overall, Niners GM John Lynch could have his pick of an immensely talented second tier of wideouts to replace Aiyuk.

With Aaron Rodgers healthy, it wouldn't shock to see Jets GM Joe Douglas push his chips toward the middle of the table, being aggressive to add impact playmakers in whatever way possible. Adding Aiyuk without giving up Day 1 capital would be a dream scenario for Douglas.

Minnesota Vikings

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Vikings Get: 2024 First Round Pick (No. 4)

Cardinals Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 11), 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 23), 2024 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 129)

The worst-kept secret in the draft, Minnesota and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are expected to move up for a quarterback.

While the team could bundle together an even more enticing package to move up with New England at No. 3, sliding into No. 4 overall would allow the Vikings to, presumably, take one of Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels or J.J. McCarthy.

I do want to play devil's advocate, however, in that if Minnesota doesn't want to ante up and sell off a ton of assets, sitting at No. 11 and drafting Michael Penix Jr. (should he be available) wouldn't be the worst scenario in the world. In fact, it is a route that remains highly intriguing considering the offensive architecture present in Minnesota, prioritization of vertical shots and the potential to learn under HC Kevin O'Connell.

The move would also allow Minnesota to stand pat at No. 23 overall, adding a potential playmaker at corner, defensive tackle or along the offensive line.

Denver Broncos

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Broncos Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 19), 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 83), 2024 Sixth-Round Pick (No. 196)

Rams Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 12)

If Denver doesn't want to move, it could have its shot at a Michael Penix Jr. or Bo Nix.

However, it'll remain extremely intriguing how the other 31 teams evaluate the two aforementioned quarterbacks, and how high those teams project Penix and Nix to go.

For Denver, Nix's skill set (mature, poised, accurate) and HC Sean Payton have been seen as a good fit for months. But if Denver knows the league has a mid-first-round grade on Nix, trading back and adding assets (team remains without a second-round pick) and still drafting the former Oregon standout would be an excellent start to the process.

Las Vegas Raiders

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Raiders Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 3)

Patriots Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 13), 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 77), 2024 Sixth-Round Pick (No. 208), 2025 First-Round Pick

It'll take a heck of a bundle to come up from No. 13, but if New England's phone lines are open, I'd expect GM Tom Telesco to do his due diligence.

At the quarterback spot, you either have a guy or you're looking for one, and neither Aidan O'Connell nor free-agent add Gardner Minshew II is the future in Vegas.

Moving up to three will force Vegas to outbid a handful of teams that eye a new signal-caller, but landing in the first trio of selections would give Telesco a shot at one of Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy or Jayden Daniels.

New Orleans Saints

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Saints Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 17), 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 96), 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

Jaguars Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 14)

The Saints look hellbent on taking an offensive tackle on Day 1. While, of course, things can and will change, the idea of adding Penn State's Olu Fashanu or Washington's Troy Fautanu should excite GM Mickey Loomis.

A move down with the Jaguars would give New Orleans additional capital inside the top 100, and would allow Jacksonville to jump its division rival in the Colts (No. 15) for the chance to add Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell, if he's still on the board.

Indianapolis Colts

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Colts Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 9)

Bears Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 15), 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 82), 2025 Third-Round Pick

Indianapolis could very well be a team that throws a wrench into the top 15 picks.

While GM Chris Ballard could stand pat at No. 15 overall and hope CB Quinyon Mitchell makes it there, moving up for a wideout could be a hypothetical that soon becomes reality.

There is a drop-off of talent behind Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze.

For Ballard, if wideout is priority No. 1, sitting at No. 15 overall won't present him the chance to grab one of the aforementioned game-changing pass-catchers.

Seattle Seahawks

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Seahawks Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 22), 2025 Third-Round Pick

Eagles Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 16), 2024 Sixth-Round Pick (No. 179)

The orchestrator of many prior draft weekend trades, Seahawks GM John Schneider is never one to shy away from taking calls.

While the team remains in a great spot to add a versatile offensive lineman or another pass-rusher at No. 16 overall, Philadelphia could be more desperate to jump Jacksonville (No. 17) to get the corner of its choosing.

Seattle gets an extra 2025 Day 2 pick while only moving down six spots.

Jacksonville Jaguars

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Jaguars Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 14)

Saints Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 17), 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 96), 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

Jacksonville added Arik Armstead this offseason, but additional talented could be warranted along the defensive line.

However, the secondary is where GM Trent Baalke's focus could remain, and jumping the Indianapolis Colts could result in Baalke having his pick of the litter at the corner spot.

Whether the team prioritizes Quinyon Mitchell (Toledo), Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama) or Terrion Arnold (Alabama), Jacksonville would, hypothetically, be able to take the player of its choosing at No. 14 overall.

Cincinnati Bengals

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Bengals Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 9)

Bears Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 18), 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 80), 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

The Bengals haven't traded up on Day 1 of the draft in 25 years, but don't let historical data draw you away here.

While it's plausible the Bengals stand pat and take an offensive tackle, moving up could allow them to take a dynamic threat like TE Brock Bowers or WR Rome Odunze, which could elevate the Bengals offense to heights we've never seen.

With Tee Higgins' future still up in the air, Cincinnati needs another perimeter threat to pair with Ja'Marr Chase beyond just 2024.

Los Angeles Rams

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Rams Get: 2024 Second-Round Pick (No. 33), 2024 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 101), 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

Panthers Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 19)

If there's one thing to know about the draft, it's that Rams GM Les Snead isn't shy in picking up the phone. One of the NFL's most aggressive general managers when it comes to moving up or down, Snead's approach doesn't alter from year to year.

The popular position match has been defensive line for Los Angeles, but if the team eyes additional capital and feels good about the value on Day 2 along the trenches, then a move back shouldn't surprise.

From Carolina's perspective, moving into the top 20 to grab a Brian Thomas Jr. (LSU), Adonai Mitchell (Texas) or Keon Coleman (Florida State) would immediately upgrade the outside for QB Bryce Young.

Pittsburgh Steelers

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Steelers Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 16)

Seahawks Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 20), 2024 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 119)

Although Pittsburgh added an impact corner on Day 1 in last year's draft (Joey Porter Jr), in this scenario HC Mike Tomlin and company are going right back to the well.

Round 1 in Detroit will be headlined by offensive talent, but a potential run on corners in the teens could quickly thin out the positional board if Pittsburgh stands pat at No. 20.

Considering their in-state foes in Philadelphia (No. 22) could also pursue a move up to grab a perimeter stalwart, jumping up a few spots would place the Steelers in an opportune position to add a playmaker to align opposite of Porter Jr.

Miami Dolphins

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Dolphins Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 16)

Seahawks Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 21), 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

With Christian Wilkins now in Las Vegas, Miami could eye a move up to grab its choice of talent at defensive tackle.

Buzz continues to swirl around Texas' Byron Murphy II in that he could go much higher than the consensus, meaning No. 16 overall could still be too low. However, even if Murphy is off the board following a trade-up, selecting Illinois' Jer'Zhan Newton would be the best consolation prize you could ask for.

The main point of movement here is to jump in front of Jacksonville, Cincinnati and the Los Angeles Rams, three teams linked to the aforementioned 1/3-techs throughout the process.

Philadelphia Eagles

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Eagles Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 16)

Seahawks Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 22), 2024 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 120), 2024 Fifth-Round Pick (No. 161)

The Eagles could get aggressive in making a move up for more secondary talent.

While the trio of Darius Slay, James Bradberry and Avonte Maddox are back for 2024, that group won't scare anybody in the NFC, nor should it move the needle for GM Howie Roseman.

Making a move up could see the Eagles have a shot at the premier corner in the class if Indianapolis (No. 15) opts to pass on a corner.

Dallas Cowboys

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Cowboys Get: RB Dameon Pierce

Texans Get: 2024 Fifth-Round Pick (No. 174), 2025 Fifth-Round Pick

With Tony Pollard gone, making a move for an experienced yet spry ball-carrier could be in Jerry Jones' best interest this week.

While Dameon Pierce's workload fell off dramatically in the 2024 campaign, his rookie season in 2023 (939 yards) showcased a physical, downhill ball-carrier who can holster the workload in an NFL backfield.

Green Bay Packers

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Packers Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 12)

Broncos Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 25), 2024 Second-Round Pick (No. 41), 2025 Sixth-Round Pick

With five picks slated in the top 100 selections, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst enters the draft with an immense amount of ammo to move up boards.

In this scenario, the Packers swap with Denver to take Toledo CB Quinyon Mitchell, one of the premier secondary defenders in the class.

While Green Bay could stand pat in the 20s and add help along the offensive line, making a move for a premium player at a premium position would immediately elevate Green Bay's defensive ceiling.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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Buccaneers Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 32), 2024 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 131), 2025 Fifth-Round Pick

Chiefs Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 26)

Tampa Bay enters the draft with just seven total selections (two in Round 3), so trading back and adding more capital could be an excellent way to approach business on Day 1.

Without glaring holes on the roster, Buccaneers GM Jason Licht opts to trade down in this scenario with Kansas City.

For a Chiefs roster that could be looking to jump the Buffalo Bills (No. 28) for a shot at one of the premier wideouts in tier two, GM Brett Veach finds his partner in Tampa Bay to boost his WR room.

Buffalo Bills

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Bills Get: 2024 Second-Round Pick (No. 36), 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 78), 2025 Sixth-Round Pick

Commanders Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 28)

One of the worst kept-secrets in the draft is that Washington is expected to be aggressive in making move back into the first round for help at offensive tackle.

For Buffalo, while the team remains in an excellent spot at No. 28 to add a playmaker at wideout, adding more capital while still having the opportunity to take a high-level playmaker would be good process.

Detroit Lions

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Lions Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 24), 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

Cowboys Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 29), 2024 Third-Round Pick (No. 73)

For Detroit, leapfrogging Tampa Bay (No. 26) could be its best shot at adding the edge-rusher it desires.

While one of Laiatu Latu (UCLA), Dallas Turner (Alabama) or Jared Verse (Florida State) is expected to go in the top 20 picks, having a shot at one of the three premier edge-rushers in the class could remain the priority for GM Brad Holmes.

Prioritizing Penn State edge-rusher Chop Robinson could be the plan if the team opts to sit at No. 29 overall.

Baltimore Ravens

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Ravens Get: 2024 Second-Round Pick (No. 33), 2024 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 101)

Panthers Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 30)

If Baltimore isn't happy with the talent at tackle, edge or corner, a move down could add more capital.

GM Eric DeCosta has had no issue in finding impact talent in the middle rounds, and sliding just three spots won't change Baltimore's board dramatically at any position.

For Carolina, the willingness to move up stems from a potential interest in adding a playmaking wideout before Kansas City or San Francisco is on the clock.

San Francisco 49ers

Chris Unger/Getty Images

49ers Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 28)

Bills Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 31), 2024 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 132)

If San Francisco does indeed trade up, it'll be slim pickings as far as teams that entertain a phone call.

With Philadelphia, Dallas, Green Bay, Tampa Bay, Arizona and Detroit all in the mid-to-late 20s, Buffalo could be the only club that would pick up if GM John Lynch were to call.

In this scenario, the Niners jump Baltimore, who have been tied to an offensive tackle for months. The dream scenario would be to add Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton, who (despite the re-signing of Colton McKivitz) would immediately slot in at right tackle while serving as the de facto replacement for whenever Trent Williams hangs 'em up for good.

Kansas City Chiefs

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Chiefs Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 26)

Buccaneers Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 32), 2024 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 131), 2025 Fifth-Round Pick

Kansas City needs more playmakers on the perimeter.

While the future remains to be seen regarding Rashee Rice, the group of talent on the perimeter needs an upgrade, even with Marquise Brown now in the fold.

There is expected to be a run on pass-catchers in late first round and early second round, and GM Brett Veach could have the idea of being first in line at his choice of talent.

Carolina Panthers

David Jensen/Getty Images

Panthers Get: 2024 First-Round Pick (No. 19)

Rams Get: 2024 Second-Round Pick (No. 33), 2024 Fourth-Round Pick (No. 101), 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

The rebuild is fully underway in Carolina, with newly hired GM Dan Morgan and HC Dave Canales set for year one.

While trading away future capital in his first draft may sway the masses early on, hear me out.

Carolina desperately neeeds talent on the outside. While the team traded for Diontae Johnson this offseason, adding a youth-infused potential top target could immediately elevate Carolina's offensive ceiling.

Sure, the Panthers can stand pat right outside the first round and take whatever pass-catcher is highest on Morgan's board, or they can make a move for a potential game-changer and show QB Bryce Young they're committed to adding impact talent around him.

Cleveland Browns

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Browns Get: 2024 Second-Round Pick (No. 40)

Commanders Get: 2024 Second-Round Pick (No. 54), 2024 Sixth-Round Pick (No. 206), 2025 Fourth-Round Pick

Washington enters the draft with large amounts of capital, meaning multiple moves up (or down) is entirely plausible.

For Cleveland's sake, while the team isn't expected to pick until No. 54 overall in the middle of Day 2, moving up would present the opportunity for GM Andrew Berry to add a playmaker at the WR spot.

At No. 54, there will be talent available, but with a fast-and-furious run expected on wideouts to kick off the second round, a failure to move up would thin out Berry's board of options rapidly.

Houston Texans

Kara Durrette/Getty Images

Texans Get: 2024 Fifth-Round Pick (No. 174), 2025 Fifth-Round Pick

Cowboys Get: RB Dameon Pierce

Just last spring, Houston GM Nick Caserio engineered eight draft-day trades, moving up, down and around boards to add players.

Although his move to slide back into the top three to grab edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr. received criticism before events concluded in 2023, those doubters have surely quieted after the magical season that was for HC DeMeco Ryans' group.

For 2024, Houston once again sits in an excellent spot to add talent despite zero first-round selections. With two picks in the second round, two more in the fourth and another pair of picks in the sixth and seventh rounds, Caserio could once again remain active.

In this scenario, the team parts ways with Dameon Pierce to add another selection to Caserio's bag of draft capital on Day 3. A pick that could, ultimately, help formulate a package deal to move up for a ball-carrier to back up the newly acquired Joe Mixon.

   

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