The NFL Draft is right around the corner, and trades are perhaps the most exciting part of the big event. While all 32 teams have yet to agree to a league-shattering deal, it’s only a matter of time before one team makes an aggressive move for the player that can take them to the next level. While anything can happen on the big day, these three NFL Draft trades could shake up the league.
Note: All pick values given are sourced from the Rich Hill model of the Drafttek Trade Value Chart.
3 Potential NFL Draft Trades That Make Perfect Sense
Chargers, Falcons Strike A Deal
Chargers send picks 22, 86 (302 points) for pick 15 (315)
The Los Angeles Chargers made the playoffs in what should have been a rebuilding year for the organization. Taking over a flawed five-win roster, head coach Jim Harbaugh turned the ship around despite parting ways with several high-priced veterans and enduring a Justin Herbert injury early in the season. Now, the team spent big in free agency and should be eyeing the AFC West crown. With few remaining weaknesses on the roster, the team could trade up for a Day 1 difference maker.
The Atlanta Falcons, meanwhile, should welcome the opportunity to trade down. While the team has a nice offensive core in Michael Penix, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson, their defense needs some work. Armed with just five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Falcons should trade back, accumulate resources, and attempt to find a starter and a valuable role player with these two accrued picks while looking for their first winning record since the Matt Ryan days.
Ravens, Vikings Make A Move
Ravens send picks 27, 129 (235 points) for 24 (237)
The Baltimore Ravens have no choice but to trade up in the 2025 NFL Draft. As of this posting, the Ravens have a staggering 11 picks in the upcoming draft, which is normally a good thing. However, Baltimore is one of the most talented teams in the league and can’t possibly have 11 rookies make the 53-man roster. This team must find a trade partner, and the Minnesota Vikings make the most sense.
The Vikings are coming off a 14-win season and have first-round pick J.J. McCarthy under center. By all accounts, this team should be ready to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in 2025. However, they only have four picks, the fewest in the league, so they should welcome the opportunity to acquire more young, cost-controlled talent. The team has $17.1 million in cap space this year, but they’re projected to be $17.23 million over the cap in 2026. Minnesota must find cheap contributors, and the best way to do that is by accumulating picks.
Saints Land Their Franchise Quarterback
Patriots send picks 4 and 144 for picks 9, 71, and a 2026 first-round pick
Miami’s Cam Ward will be the first-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but nobody knows what will happen with Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Widely believed to be the second-best quarterback in an admittedly weak class, the Saints have become the betting favorites to secure his services. However, if they want to do that, they may have to trade up during the NFL Draft. The Browns and Giants will not pass on elite prospects in Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter, but the Patriots could trade the fourth-overall pick for the right return.
New England already has their franchise quarterback, and if they can’t get a truly elite prospect, they should trade back and surround franchise quarterback Drake Maye with as much talent as possible. Swapping first-round picks while gaining another third-round selection and a potential early pick in 2026 makes this a win-win move for both sides.
Main Photo: Sarah Kloepping – Imagn Images
