2013 NFL Draft Predictions: Teams Most Likely to Trade Down in the First Round

2013 NFL Draft Predictions: Teams Most Likely to Trade Down in the First Round: As if the 2013 NFL Draft wasn’t going to be unpredictable enough thanks to the lack of elite talent at premier offensive positions like quarterback and running back, this year’s first round is likely to be further muddled by an array of trades. The most-recent collective bargaining agreement has made first-round draft picks much more salary-cap friendly so teams picking at the bottom don’t mind trading up, and teams picking up top don’t mind trading down to stockpile picks. Throw in the rather unique collection of talent that this year’s draft possesses, and there is probably going to be some bust general managers Thursday. With that in mind, here is a look at a few teams picking in the top half of the first round that will likely be looking to trade down in the 2013 NFL Draft.

1.      Cleveland Browns (No. 6 Pick)

With the teams need for a pass rusher somewhat addressed by the Paul Kruger signing this offseason, the Browns can turn their attention to an offense that averaged less than 19 points per game last year. Adding an explosive target for second-year QB Brandon Weeden that can also replace the departed Josh Cribbs in the return game makes a lot of sense, but receivers like Tavon Austin and Cordarrelle Patterson are a bit of a reach at No. 6. Even an offensive-minded tight end like Tyler Eifert would help the cause, especially with Norv Turner now in charge of the offense, but again, he would be a reach at No. 6. With that in mind, it makes perfect sense for the Browns to try to trade down a bit, acquire another pick or two to help the rebuilding process and select an offensive weapon later in the first round.

2.      Arizona Cardinals (No. 7 Pick)

At least for the next year or two, Arizona has plugged its huge hole at quarterback with veteran Carson Palmer. As a result, it is no longer a must for the Cardinals to find their franchise QB of the future this year. However, upgrading an offensive line that allowed the most sacks in the NFL and paved the way for the league’s worst rushing attack is a definite must. Unfortunately, there is a good chance that the top three offensive tackles will all be off the board when Arizona is on the clock. Granted, there are still a bunch of excellent prospects left along the offensive line, but at least a few of them could be added later in the first round. If Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher and Lane Johnson are all off the board early Thursday, look for the Cardinals to try to take advantage of the depth at offensive line in this draft by trading out of the No. 7 spot to bolster their supply of draft picks.

3.      Philadelphia Eagles (No. 4 Pick)

There have been rumors throughout the offseason that Chip Kelly and company consider Geno Smith a potential franchise QB, and it isn’t too difficult to see why. Given Kelly’s up-tempo system, Smith’s athleticism and ability to make a variety of quick accurate throws as well as stretch the field to speedy receivers, the QB has the skill set that Kelly looks for. That being said, it is pretty much universally agreed on that there isn’t a QB in this draft worthy of a top-10 pick based on talent alone. If Smith really is their guy, sliding down a bit in the first round could be worth the gamble, especially since teams like Arizona and Buffalo added quarterbacks in the offseason. The best case scenario is that Philadelphia moves down in the first round and gets Smith along with some more picks. The worst case scenario is that they move down and Smith gets picked by another team, leaving the Eagles with more picks in a draft that has plenty of depth at a lot of other positions. Either way, expect Philadelphia to be looking for a trading partner Thursday night.

4.      Miami Dolphins (No. 12 Pick)

The funny thing about the Dolphins is that they appear to be willing to move either up or down the draft board depending on the situation. Trading up into the top 10 would likely mean Miami is looking to snag a replacement for offensive tackle Jake Long. However, it has also been rumored that the Dolphins are looking to make a trade for Kansas City left tackle Brandon Albert, who the Chiefs are in the market to deal anyway after hitting him with the franchise tag in the offseason. It will likely cost the Dolphins a pick or two to add Albert, but they can turn around and recoup some of those picks by dumping the No. 12 pick. Outside of the offensive tackle spot, Miami’s biggest need is in the secondary. Cornerback prospects like Xavier Rhodes and Desmond Trufant should all still be on the board later in the first round so the Dolphins could satisfy their wish list with a little wheeling and dealing Thursday.

Check the odds to win 2014 Super Bowl XLVIII plus daily NFL vegas odds and lines updated daily throughout the year at NSAwins.com!

Need Expert Winning NFL Predictions and Picks? Be sure to check out NSAwins.com’s award-winning NFL Football Season Picks Packages for expert winners against the vegas spreads and totals in NFL Football this season including 2013 NFL Football Picks and Predictions to beat the vegas point spreads and totals!