The 2024 NFL Draft is exactly one month away from today. Everyone loves mock drafts. However, draft-day trades throw a wrench in mock drafts being accurate.
Every year, there are multiple draft-day trades in the first round of the NFL Draft. There were six first-round draft-day trades last year, including three in the top 10 picks. While everyone wants to talk about which teams will move up during the NFL Draft, it takes two to tango.
Let’s look at two teams in the top 10 that could trade down during the 2024 NFL Draft.
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Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have the eighth pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. Many expected them to draft a quarterback before the start of free agency. However, the team signed Kirk Cousins to a massive four-year deal, taking them out of the quarterback market in the early rounds. Therefore, they are a potential trade-down team for anyone wanting to move up for a quarterback.
Free agent QB Kirk Cousins is signing with the #Falcons, per @MikeMcCartney7. A new era in Atlanta. And Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/zAgsvG8EPP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
Atlanta also signed Darnell Mooney in free agency and traded for Rondale Moore this offseason. While the team could draft a wide receiver with their first-round pick, it’s no longer a massive need. Hypothetically, the Jacksonville Jaguars could trade up ahead of the Chicago Bears and New York Jets to secure Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze. The Falcons could still land a top-tier edge rusher with the 17th overall pick, making it a win-win trade for both teams.
Chicago Bears
While the Bears won’t trade away the No. 1 pick after sending Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago could easily move the ninth overall selection. The team filled most of their needs through the trade market or free agency. They added D'Andre Swift and Gerald Everett in free agency while giving up only a fourth-round pick for Keenan Allen, significantly improving the team’s receiving core.
TRADE: Chargers trading WR Keenan Allen to Bears for a fourth-round draft pick. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/P8f3EwW1PG
— NFL (@NFL) March 15, 2024
Many expected the Bears to target a wide receiver with the ninth overall pick after drafting Caleb Williams with the first selection. However, following their trade for Allen, Chicago has only four picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears traded away their second-round pick to the Washington Commanders at the trade deadline for Montez Sweat. Unless they are in love with a top-tier edge rusher or wide receiver, expect the team to trade back and acquire more draft capital.
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