We know that excitement is already brewing for the next NFL Draft in 2025! The Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants have indicated so loudly that they’re willing to entertain offers for the second and third overall picks, respectively. This recent development has created a frenzy as teams look to upgrade their rosters before the upcoming season. As NFL insider Peter Schrager announced this morning, both franchises are clearly through heavy on-the-ground talks. That may be an early indicator of a possible draft order shake-up.
The NFL Draft is notoriously capricious. In fact, last year was the most frenetic, with a record 28 trades made in a dizzying three-day span. This year there were five trades made during the first round. This illustrated teams’ willingness to jump around and do acrobatics to get the players they wanted. Only last year’s 43 trades came close. Seven of those occurred in Round 1, evidence that teams are increasingly willing to get aggressive in their moves.
As the draft near, the speculation grows about how many trades we’ll see this year. In the actual draft, teams often trade up for a premium even more rarefied selection. This strategy has become prevalent, especially among franchises desperate to land elite talent. The most likely teams to do so are the Browns and Giants. That would create additional draft day movement and opportunities for other teams.
In recent years, the teams have become more willing to pull a deal while the clock is still ticking. This approach creates a lot of drama and energy in the event. In 2021, we saw trades begin as early as the first pick of the draft. This really illustrates the fast-paced, gut-reacting, short-sighted decision-making that characterizes drafting strategies these days.
Considering the recent history of trade activity in the NFL Draft, this year’s prospects have all the makings of being exciting. The Browns and Giants are all saying they’re willing to trade their picks. That creates a rare opportunity for franchises to test out a variety of scenarios that will allow them to make informed, impactful selections. The landscape of the draft could shift dramatically as teams assess their options in real-time.
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