Nolan Nawrocki on possible first round moves

[Ickybaluky]

Nawrocki, of Pro Football Weekly, had the most accurate first-round mock draft last year (Most picks correct/slotted correct overall). He is probably the best connected NFL correspondent at PFW.

Here are his comments on pre-draft trade rumors:

If JaMarcus Russell is drafted first, two quarterbacks are expected to be drafted in the top five and the player that stands to slip out is Joe Thomas, which could create additional trade opportunities for the Redskins at No. 6. They remain very interested in moving down in the draft.

If Calvin Johnson is drafted first — and sources say the decision to take Russell has not been agreed upon by those that matter and that Johnson is gaining momentum — Russell would likely be the only quarterback drafted in the top five and, the way we hear it, Brady Quinn could slide similar to the way Matt Leinart did a year ago.

Following is a breakdown of trade interest and dynamics that could affect the first round:

The Raiders recognize that Calvin Johnson has the most value in the draft and are dangling the option of picking him because they know he gives them the most opportunity to trade down. However, if Randy Moss cannot be dealt prior to Draft Day, it will be difficult to carry two of the league’s highest paid receivers on the roster, especially when one is a malcontent who could negatively influence the other.

The Lions are desperately seeking to move down and are hoping that Calvin Johnson will slip to No. 2 so that they have more interest in their pick when they are on the clock. Even if Johnson is available, they are struggling to drum up enough interest to move the pick and are preparing to have to stand pat and make a call.

Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Arizona, Washington and Minnesota remain very open to trading down, especially if their desired targets do not fall to them.

The Falcons and Redskins have very similar needs on the defensive line and secondary and have discussed swapping picks.

It is growing more unlikely that Miami will trade up, with Dolphins’ brass becoming more confident that a good player will fall into their laps.

The Texans remain very open to trading.

San Francisco, with eight picks in the first four rounds, remains a strong candidate to move up if good players begin sliding.

Buffalo, Carolina, Pittsburgh and Green Bay are exploring options to move down, with the Bills and Packers considering options to bring in an established veteran runner to fill pressing backfield needs.

Prime suitors to move up from the back half of the first round are the Broncos, the Patriots, the Eagles and the Chargers, who have all discussed the possibilities.

[B-DON]

Re: Nolan Nawrocki on possible first round moves

Thanks

[jamesiscool]

Re: Nolan Nawrocki on possible first round moves

move down eh? i guess that means they dont think willis will be there at 12.

o well.

[Saratoga Slim]

Re: Nolan Nawrocki on possible first round moves

I'm hoping "established veteran runner" means Turner or LJ and not Chris Brown.

[patmoran2006]

Re: Nolan Nawrocki on possible first round moves

Chris Brown.. Id rather see Hammer or Earthquake in the backfield.

[camelcowboy]

Re: Nolan Nawrocki on possible first round moves

Chris Brown.. Id rather see Hammer or Earthquake in the backfield.

I'd rather see the guy who begs outside the HSBC arena during sabres game in his wheel chair to be our running back.

[The Answer]

Re: Nolan Nawrocki on possible first round moves

move down eh? i guess that means they dont think willis will be there at 12.

o well.

The Answer fears that Willis will be long gone by #12 too - if that's the case we need a contingency plan.

~The Answer

[Luisito23]

Re: Nolan Nawrocki on possible first round moves

Calvin and Moss could be nasty as .....Too bad they don't have anyone to throw them la rocka.........







GO BILLS!!!!!!

[billsburgh]

Re: Nolan Nawrocki on possible first round moves

WOW, it seems as though nobody wants to stay where they are and draft. Everyone wants to move down. Does that reflect on the overall talent level in the draft or just teams specific needs compared to the value available at that time?

[TigerJ]

Re: Nolan Nawrocki on possible first round moves

The apparent fluidity of this draft makes it much harder to figure out what is going to happen than ususal, and it's always been impossible to figure out what's going to happen.

[Don't Panic]

Re: Nolan Nawrocki on possible first round moves

This all sounds very logical, not that logic neccesarily prevails. Everybody is trying to maximize what they get for their pick, as they should. If that means moving down, then you try and move down.