Big trades shake up top of 2021 NFL Draft
All eyes were expected to be on BYU's pro day Friday as star QB Zach Wilson and his teammates showcased their talents for NFL Scouts, but some big trades shocked the league as the workout unfolded.
The San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins started the fireworks. Miami traded its third overall pick to San Fran for the 12th overall pick in 2021 plus first round picks in 2022 and 2023 and a 2022 third-round pick. Miami then made a move to climb back up the draft board.
The Dolphins turned around and flipped the 12th pick along with pick No. 123 in 2021 and their 2022 first-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the sixth overall and 156th overall picks in next month's draft.
The updated draft order for the top 12 is as follows:
JAX
NYJ
SF (from MIA via HOU)
ATL
CIN
MIA (from PHI)
DET
CAR
DEN
DAL
NYG
PHI (from MIA via SF)
The trade puts all three teams in good positions. The Niners can now move on from Jimmy Garoppolo and select one of the top quarterbacks from this year's class, like Wilson if he is still available. Miami remains in prime position to help Tua Tagovailoa with either a receiver or offensive lineman. Philadelphia suffers the most in this trade but should still be in a good position to draft a solid receiver or defender. The trade also helps Cincinnati, who will now likely have its choice of any non-quarterback available.
We are still a month away from the draft and anything can happen. The final order could still change from this point, but the fireworks have started.