2025 NFL Draft Trade Scenarios: Teams to Watch for Blockbuster Moves on Draft Night

Teams Primed to Trade Up in Round 1

San Francisco 49ers (Pick No. 11)

• Why they might move: With 11 total picks and glaring offensive line needs, the 49ers could leapfrog the Bears (No. 10) to secure top OT prospects like LSU's Will Campbell or Missouri's Armand Membou.
• Key targets: Campbell (6'6", 323 lbs) and Membou (6'5", 315 lbs) both project as Day 1 starters at tackle.

Houston Texans (Pick No. 25)

• O-line overhaul: After allowing 54 sacks in 2024 (3rd-most in NFL), Houston may trade up to target Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr. or Ohio State's Donovan Jackson.
• Draft capital: Seven picks give GM Nick Caserio flexibility to jump ahead of OL-needy teams like Bengals (No. 17) and Chargers (No. 22).

Buffalo Bills (Pick No. 30)

• Secondary urgency: With Rasul Douglas unsigned and a 68.5% completion rate allowed (5th-worst), Buffalo could target CBs like Michigan's Will Johnson or Texas' Jahdae Barron.
• Beane's history: Bills GM has traded up in Round 1 four times since 2017.

Teams Likely to Trade Down

New Orleans Saints (Pick No. 9)

• QB crossroads: With Derek Carr's health uncertain, New Orleans might trade back if unimpressed by Shedeur Sanders/Jaxson Dart. Potential partners: Bears (No. 10) or Panthers (No. 12).
• Asset accumulation: Nine existing picks could grow for needs at WR, EDGE, and CB.

Denver Broncos (Pick No. 20)

• Leverage play: Sitting ahead of QB-desperate Steelers (No. 21), Denver might auction their slot to teams eyeing Dart or Sanders.
• Draft capital: Seven picks currently, but only three before Round 7.

Two-Way Trade Candidates

New England Patriots (Picks No. 4 & 38)

• Flexibility galore: With nine picks and needs at WR/OT, NE could:
  • Trade up from No. 38 for Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr.
  • Trade down from No. 4 if Abdul Carter/Travis Hunter slide
• Post-free agency aggression: Already added Stefon Diggs & Harold Landry III in March.

Late-Round Trade Targets

Washington Commanders (Pick No. 29)

• Prime trade-back spot: Only five picks total makes this slot valuable for teams wanting:
  • Fifth-year option on QBs
  • First dibs on Day 2 WRs like South Carolina's Nyck Harbor

Cleveland Browns (Pick No. 33)

• QB carousel watch: If Shedeur Sanders slips, Cleveland's 10 picks could fuel a jump into Round 1 despite Joe Flacco's signing.

Draft Night X-Factors:

• Shedeur Sanders' slide potential in weaker QB class
• Steelers' QB plans if Aaron Rodgers signs
• Falcons' need to replace Kirk Cousins' $45M cap hit

Last Updated: April 15, 2025 | Analyst: Field Yates