The Arizona Cardinals could be open to trading down for the No. 8 pick overall in the NFL draft next week. And, as has been reported, there are some teams reportedly seeking to move up. Three teams in particular could be in play.
Let’s further break down these options and see what would be some potential likely scenarios:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pick No. 14
This seems like the most likely for many reasons. The first is that the Cardinals still could get a player they have rated high on their board.
The next is that the GM of the Bucs, Jason Licht, and Steve Keim have a good relationship. Given the unusual communication options that may limit some trade talk, it would make sense that Keim and Licht would trust each other, not to mention that Arizona’s previous coach is there in Bruce Arians.
The catch – would Tampa Bay be willing to part with their second-round pick, No. 45 overall, to come up six spots to No. 8? According to the infamous NFL Draft trade chart, Arizona would come out slightly ahead.
However, if they see a player that helps them in their short window (i.e. however much longer Tom Brady has), they may be willing to part with it. A first and a third would likely not be enough value.
How about for the Cardinals? This would be a best-case scenario to trading back. There’s still a possibility of one of the top four offensive lineman still being on the board, or potentially Josh Jones, who they reportedly like. There could also be players available like CJ Henderson, Javon Kinlaw, or even potentially a luxury pick (and Kyler Murray favorite) like CeeDee Lamb.
And with pick 45, they could potentially select another potential starter, such as Naville Gallimore or Russ Blacklock along the defensive line, or Ezra Cleveland if they choose to not go tackle in Round 1.
Denver Broncos, Pick No. 15
Rumor is that John Elway wants to get Drew Lock a weapon, and if he is in love with one of the top receivers that should fall to No. 8, he could come calling to Keim.
The challenge may be getting a second from Denver, even though they would have to move up seven spots. They might choose to dangle their two third-round picks at 77 and 95 instead.
This would give Arizona three third-round picks, which would give Keim three chances to find some third-round magic, which he has done in the past (John Brown, Tyrann Mathieu, etc.).
This would likely not benefit the Cardinals as much, but if they could get a second and a third-rounder from Denver, however unlikely, then Keim will have hit the jackpot.
Still, if they do end up with three third-round picks as a result, they could target players they’ve shown interest in, such as running back Zack Moss, offensive lineman Jack Driscoll or defensive lineman James Lynch.
Atlanta Falcons, Pick No. 16
For Atlanta to come up eight spots it would certainly require at minimum their second-rounder, pick No. 47, at least, and potentially something later on Day 3.
This seems the least likely scenario, as Atlanta has a few holes to fill, but they may feel they’re a player away after a late-season surge. They’ve also set the precedent of trading up rather far, such as when they did for Julio Jones.
There are opportunities for Arizona to recoup the second-rounder they gave to Houston in the DeAndre Hopkins trade – ones that will for sure keep Cards fans on their toes on Thursday night of the draft.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
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