There are seven different teams that have, at least, two first-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. That sets the scene for some movement because teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles or Houston Texans will be able to package picks to move up and chase elite talent or spread their picks out more by trading down.
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The 2021 NFL Draft saw the Chicago Bears move up to secure their quarterback of the future in Justin Fields. Will we see a similar move this year for someone like Malik Willis, or will the quarterbacks slide in a weak class? Will contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers be aggressive in adding high-end receiving talent for Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers?
PFF’s Mock Draft Simulator lets you play general manager and answer those questions how you see fit. Here are four potential first-round trade scenarios that could make sense for both sides as we approach the draft, along with corresponding three-round mock drafts for both teams.
Houston Texans deal Brandin Cooks to the Philadelphia Eagles to move up for a third top-20 selection
Cooks appears to be one of the more realistic big-name trade targets at wide receiver given the Texans' expected timeline to return to contention in a crowded AFC. He would bring field-stretching speed to Philadelphia and step into a 1A/1B situation with 2021 first-round pick DeVonta Smith. Add in Dallas Goedert and the Eagles start to have an interesting collection of pass-catching options.
In this scenario, the Eagles slid back 18 picks from their third first-round pick at No. 19 to Houston’s second-round selection at No. 37 overall to get the deal done. A haul of Devin Lloyd, Jordan Davis, Boye Mafe, Kyler Gordon and Nick Cross through the first three rounds would provide a significant injection of talent to Philadelphia’s defense even after losing draft capital in the Cooks’ trade.
The thought process here for Houston is that 2022 is the last year of Cooks’ current contract, and he doesn’t necessarily fit Houston’s timeline to rebuild the roster. Nick Caserio and company are able to use him here to secure a third pick inside the top 20 and start to build a young foundation.
Kyle Hamilton and Trent McDuffie bring talent to a secondary in sore need of it while the Texans spend their new selection on one of the best interior defensive linemen in the draft. It’s hard to go wrong for the Texans with needs across the roster. In this case, the focus is on the defense with a mid-round addition at arguably their weakest position group — running back.
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