Draft Day Trades: Drama Ensues

NFL Draft, National Football League

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While teams will try their best to move up or down in the draft, especially at the top of the first round, there is no short of rumors plaguing star players as the suspense builds this last week leading up to the draft. Here is a list of the biggest names and the odds they’ll find new homes next weekend or before:

Chad Johnson, Bengals
The campaign to exile himself from Cincinnati kicked off shortly after the Super Bowl and has been picking up steam ever since. The media blitz is now in full force as Chad is determined to convince anyone who will listen that he does not plan on showing up for any team activities or training camp for the Bengals this season. While there is a history of not bending to the demands of belligerent stars in Cincinnati, if Mike Brown and the Bengals were presented with an above average offer, a trade on draft day would seem likely. But what will it take for a team to sway the Bengals to rid themselves of the mouthy but talented receiver? Time will tell.

Possible Suitors: Eagles, Raiders, Cowboys and Redskins* (*by law any blogger must include the Redskins as a potential trade partner for any high profile athlete)
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 2:1

Jared Allen, Chiefs
The Chiefs have relented to the fact that they won’t be able to sign DE Jared Allen long term after this season, so a week before the draft they wisely began exploring their trade options. The Bucs and Vikings were quick to set up visits and begin negotiations with the all pro defensive standout. The Minnesota Vikings seem to have the inside track with a presumed offer of a 2008 first rounder and a 2009 second rounder. Should a deal be consummated prior to the draft, the Chiefs will most likely turn their attention to defensive end at the 5 spot.

Possible Suitors: Vikings, Bucs
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 1:2

Jeremy Shockey, Giants
Much has been made this off-season regarding the correlation of Shockey’s injury and subsequent absence and the emergence and improved confidence of quarterback Eli Manning. While trade rumors were quickly diffused early on, talks have heated up this week leading up to the draft. Shockey has even said he would welcome a trade out of New York. The writing seems to be on the wall that Shockey’s days in Gotham are numbered, but only if the Giants receive the right offer. A 2nd rounder and a starting safety from the Saints was reportedly not enough to for GM Jerry Reese to pull the trigger

Possible Suitors: So far, just the Saints
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 3:1

Roy Williams, Lions
Rumors of trade proposals have been hypothesized by every beat writer in Detroit and Dallas this entire off-season. The Lions have steadfastly denied there is any chance of trading their star wide receiver despite the obvious fact that he will be a free agent next season. The absolute denials have done little to subside the trade talk. If the Lions don’t consummate a trade on draft day, signing Roy Williams’s long term should be objective number one.

Possible Suitors: Cowboys, Eagles
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 4:1

Lito Sheppard, Eagles
Despite numerous reports to the contrary, the Eagles never spoke on the possibility of trading the outstanding corner until this week when Eagles President Joe Banner revealed the level of interest of teams inquiring was high. Whether that was said to drum up interest in other teams or improve the offers from current teams in talks, remains to be seen. While a trade seems logical, the Eagles may hold Lito’s value higher than any offer they might receive.

Possible Suitors: Had been Rams and Cardinals but not much has leaked as to who Banner was referring to
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 5:2

Sage Rosenfels, Texans
The Texans and Vikings were seemingly a lock to complete a trade, reportedly being only one round away on compensation (the Texans were holding firm for a 2nd rounder while the Vikes wouldn’t budge from offering just a 3rd). With the Vikings signing Gus Ferrotte the Vikings are no longer interested and Rosenfels appears to be set as the backup of Schaub in Houston. With the retirement of Steve McNair, there is a possibility the Ravens could make an overture for the veteran on draft day unless they land Matt Ryan at 8.

Possible Suitors: Ravens
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 50:1

Donovan McNabb, Eagles

No one really believes a trade will happen involving McNabb as Philly seem more confident than ever to have him has their starting quarterback for the 2008 season, but we’ll list him here just on the off chance that former Eagles assistant Jim Harbaugh makes an over the top push to obtain Donovan in the wake of Steve McNair’s retirement.

Possible Suitors: Ravens
Odds of a Draft Day Trade: 250:1

-TD Hill, endzoneview.blogspot.com

tag: NFL, 2008 NFL Draft, Trade, footballjabber.com

TD Hill @ April 19, 2008