The 2019 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, and teams across the league are finalizing their big boards. They’re also preparing themselves to do a little wheeling and dealing, which is often the highlight of draft weekend.
But which teams and which general managers are likely to be making those moves? Which will be making some waves? Here’s a look at 11 GMs most likely to stir the pot.
11. Scot McCloughan, Washington Redskins
The Redskins remain the overwhelming favorite to make a move for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen, but if that doesn’t happen, it’s possible they attempt to move up for Dwayne Haskins or Drew Lock, assuming both fall to within striking distance. However, if Scot McCloughan is unable to get a deal for Rosen done or move up in Round 1, it’s entirely possible Washington trades back a bit and adds even more draft capital as they continue to rebuild. Either way, at some point or another, expect them to take a big swing at landing a starting quarterback.
10. Jon Robinson, Tennessee Titans
Jon Robinson and the Titans have just six picks in this year’s draft after managing to get by with just four in 2018. Their first comes at No. 19 overall, which may be just outside the range for a top-end prospect. Accordingly, even with limited capital with which to work, Robinson & Co. could very well trade up in the first round, possibly even into the top 10. Such a move would come at a cost, so there’s little doubt it would impact later rounds.
9. Steve Keim, Arizona Cardinals
With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals will set the tone from the jump. Whatever decision it is they make will determine the entire flow of the draft, and while most expect them to select Oklahoma quarterback Kyler Murray first overall, it’s no sure thing. The Cardinals have cautioned against that line of thinking and with just over a week to go, have not yet put Josh Rosen on the trade block. Steve Keim could change that in the coming days, but for now, he’s holding the rest of the league hostage and is subsequently making waves already.
8. Mike Mayock, Oakland Raiders
In his first season as Raiders general manager, Mike Mayock has four picks over the first 35, including three in the first round. Needless to say, he is in prime position to do just about whatever he wants. At No. 4, they could take the best of whatever remains, a top-end quarterback or they could draft down and acquire more draft capital. It’s possible Mayock and the Raiders also move up into the middle of the first round by using their latter two first round picks or they could stand pat. Either way, the Raiders are in an enviable position and a lot of what happens in the first round will hinge on their decisions.
7. Eric DeCosta, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens have eight total picks in the draft, and the vast majority of the holes they have to patch come on the defensive side of the ball. At No. 22 overall, most of the elite prospects may be drying up by the time they’re placed on the clock, so it’s possible Baltimore shakes things up by trading down. And while they’re not looking to add more draft capital, Eric DeCosta has proven himself capable and willing to remain patient, move down and maximize the value of his picks. There’s also a chance he could trade up if he has his sights set on a specific player, but that seems less likely.
6. John Schneider, Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have just four total picks in the 2019 NFL Draft and only two of those come over the top 120, so in order to maximize their return, John Schneider is going to have to get creative. That likely means the Seahawks will be forced to trade down to acquire more draft capital, but the good news is that many teams will likely be gunning for their pick. No. 21 overall is roughly the point where rookie contacts are no longer guaranteed, so the phone will be ringing and the door will be knocked on.
5. Chris Grier, Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins will be key players in the 2019 NFL Draft, especially when it comes to the quarterback pool and where each of those top tier signal callers land. At No. 13, Miami is likely out of the running for Kyler Murray and possibly even Dwayne Haskins, and may be selecting higher than they’d like if targeting someone such as Daniel Jones or Drew Lock. Needless to say, in their search to find the player who will eventually take over for the newly signed Ryan Fitzpatrick, Chris Grier could move his team in either direction. The Dolphins may very well end up moving into the top 5 or moving down to the 17-20 range. Either way, expect them to make a Round 1 move.
4. Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are in win-now mode and aim to stock up on key positions and playmakers in the 2019 NFL Draft, so considering they rest near the bottom of Round 1, it’s an essential guarantee they look to make a move in order to secure value early on. And with a specific need at offensive tackle, should a quality talent begin to fall for whatever reason, Howie Roseman won’t hesitate to package one of his two second round picks to move up and take the player they want. If not, the Eagles could also make some noise in Round 2 should they want to move up and take someone who fell out of the first round, so they’ll be worth keeping an eye on.
3. Mike Maccagnan, New York Jets
Mike Maccagnan has already said the Jets are open for business as it relates to a first-round trade, even going as far as to say he’d work out a deal with the Giants if there was a solid return. Needless to say, everything is on the table for Gang Green, who have the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. Given that they’re set with their quarterback, Sam Darnold, a number of teams will be targeting their spot to move up. How the Jets respond to those trade inquiries will set the tone for the first round and determine the approach of many of the teams coming after them. Needless to say, Maccagnan wields a lot of power in this draft.
2. Dave Gettleman, New York Giants
With 12 picks in the drat, general manager Dave Gettleman and the Giants are almost guaranteed to make waves. In fact, precious few make more waves than Gettleman, as seen by his trade of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns. Why expect any different over three days at the NFL Draft? The Giants need a quarterback and have a few choices at No. 6 and No. 17, but they could also trade for Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen. Or they could trade up. Or down. Who knows? No one really has any idea what to expect from the Giants and Gettleman, which makes them a complete wildcard. The only thing that’s for certain is that they will find ways to make waves somehow.
1. Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
Bill Belichick and the Patriots topping this list? Shocking, I know. But how could we have justified anyone else taking this spot? Belichick and the Patriots are consistently involved in NFL Draft trades year after year, and with 12 picks here in 2019, there’s absolutely no way they won’t be wheeling and dealing on all three days. Typically, the Patriots like to trade down, but following the retirement of tight end Rob Gronkowski, it’s possible they trade up in search of playmakers. In fact, with so many picks, it’s likely the Pats both trade down and trade up in different rounds. Don’t rule them out on Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen, either.
