The 2021 NFL Draft is just over three weeks away.
Now that the core of free agency has passed, teams turn their attention to the draft.
As always around this time of the year, the trade rumors begin to heat up.
We have already seen the San Francisco 49ers make an aggressive move by trading up to the number three spot in the draft.
With that said, which other teams are also likely to trade up in the 2021 NFL Draft?
New England Patriots
One of the teams we can anticipate making a move on or before the NFL Draft are the big spenders in free agency — the New England Patriots.
It is no secret that New England is still looking to replace Tom Brady at the quarterback position.
With Cam Newton resigned on a one year deal, now would be the time to draft a quarterback.
The other option would be to trade for a quarterback.
Allah, former New England Patriot, Jimmy Garoppolo.
But, New England has seemed to shut those rumors down.
That could mean a couple of things.
For starters, New England has their eye on somebody in the draft and will make a push to get him.
Or, they are simply remaining patient with the 49ers and hoping they can get Garoppolo at a cheaper price.
Regardless, a lot of mock drafts have New England making some type of move.
Trade up for Trey?
New England lands its QB of the future in the latest PFF Mock Draft 🔥https://t.co/VBQ8YOq2Ij
— PFF NE Patriots (@PFF_Patriots) March 29, 2021
Some have them moving down 4 spots and getting Mac Jones, while others having them moving up to number 4 and getting Trey Lance.
There is truly no telling on how this will play out.
But, New England certainly has the strongest odds of making a move come draft day.
Denver Broncos
Another team that is in the market for a quarterback, the Denver Broncos.
It appears as if Denver is not sold on Drew Lock and will be looking to make a franchise altering move come later this April.
It has become apparent that the first three picks in the draft will be quarterbacks.
With New York sending Darnold to Carolina, they will most likely select BYU’s Zac Wilson at number 2 overall.
What does this mean for Denver?
Well, a couple of things.
Denver could look to Carolina for a multitude of reasons.
Although unclear where this currently stands, Broncos after Stafford sweepstakes explored trade for Teddy Bridgewater to compete with Lock. Multiple sources also say Broncos continue to monitor/participate in QB trade market. Team also remains in prime draft position. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) April 6, 2021
For starters, they can try and trade for Teddy Bridgewater.
Or, they can try to acquire the number 8 overall pick from Carolina.
With the projected first three picks being Trevor Lawerence, Zac Wilson and Mac Jones, by moving up two spots to number 7 (via trade with Detroit) or one spot to 8, Denver would have a strong shot at landing either Trey Lance or Justin Fields.
For what it’s worth, I personally believe Lance is the second best quarterback in this class and if he falls to seven, that would be an absolute steal.
Washington Football Team
The defending NFC East Champs look to recapture the division once again this year.
But, given their current quarterback situation, that might be a difficult feat.
'Fun battle': Taylor Heinicke gives thoughts on Ryan Fitzpatrick's arrival https://t.co/ToDvZrkRML
— NBC Sports Washington Football (@NBCSWASFootball) March 31, 2021
As it currently sits, Washington will enter training camp with a quarterback battle between Taylor Heinicke and Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Yet, all of that can change come April 29.
Washington certainly has the draft capital to make a move on day one of the NFL Draft.
They enter with 8 total picks (2 in the 3rd round).
With not too many knowing what Atlanta is going to do at number four, they may be a viable trade option for Washington.
Over the last couple of years, Washington has drafted well and they are now led by a veteran head coach in Ron Rivera.
This team is without a doubt heading in the right direction.
A major move on draft night though, could alter the trajectory of this franchise.
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