This article is part of our NFL Offseason Watch series.
If you haven't heard by now, the Rams and Eagles traded up for the top two picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, all but assuring that quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz will come off the board 1-2.
While Sam Bradford and Nick Foles may not be happy, the trades were a welcome development for a host of other parties, including the teams that scooped up extra picks by moving down. It was no secret that the Titans hoped to trade the top overall pick to a QB-needy team, and they're undoubtedly thrilled to get a massive haul that will make it far easier to rebuild their offensive line and defense.
The Browns – with even more rebuilding work to do – didn't get quite as much in return for the No. 2 pick, but they do still have a selection in the top 10 (No. 8), whereas the Titans dropped all the way down to No. 15. This was an excellent trade for Cleveland in the long run, but the team's immediate future likely involves a Robert Griffin-Josh McCown quarterback battle, with Josh Gordon (suspension) quite possibly watching from home.
Of course, the Cleveland offense may not have to look far for help, as Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott – who was previously assigned to the Eagles in many mock drafts – still makes for a good fit at No. 8 overall. The teams picking 3-7 all appear most likely to select either a defensive player
If you haven't heard by now, the Rams and Eagles traded up for the top two picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, all but assuring that quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz will come off the board 1-2.
While Sam Bradford and Nick Foles may not be happy, the trades were a welcome development for a host of other parties, including the teams that scooped up extra picks by moving down. It was no secret that the Titans hoped to trade the top overall pick to a QB-needy team, and they're undoubtedly thrilled to get a massive haul that will make it far easier to rebuild their offensive line and defense.
The Browns – with even more rebuilding work to do – didn't get quite as much in return for the No. 2 pick, but they do still have a selection in the top 10 (No. 8), whereas the Titans dropped all the way down to No. 15. This was an excellent trade for Cleveland in the long run, but the team's immediate future likely involves a Robert Griffin-Josh McCown quarterback battle, with Josh Gordon (suspension) quite possibly watching from home.
Of course, the Cleveland offense may not have to look far for help, as Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott – who was previously assigned to the Eagles in many mock drafts – still makes for a good fit at No. 8 overall. The teams picking 3-7 all appear most likely to select either a defensive player or offensive tackle, and there's little question Elliott would represent a massive upgrade over the Isaiah Crowell-Duke Johnson combo in Cleveland
If the Cowboys let Elliott pass at No. 4 and no other team trades up, the Browns will find it awfully tempting to become the first team in recent memory that's used two top-10 picks on running backs within five years. As horribly as it worked out last time, most Cleveland fans would still be happy to add the best OSU running back since (at least) Eddie George.
With Philadelphia presumably out of the running, Elliott might even slip to the Giants (No. 10), Bears (11) or Dolphins (13), if he gets by the Browns. Regardless of his ultimate landing spot, he's good enough to threaten for a three-down workhorse role by Week 1, potentially leading to immediate RB1 value.
Asides from the Titans, Browns and RG3, the biggest winner from these trades may be Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch, who figures to be the third signal-caller drafted. He could be in play for the Browns at No. 8, or possibly even the 49ers at No. 7. Lynch's mobility would make him an interesting fit with Chip Kelly in San Francisco, regardless of whether or not the 49ers and Broncos work out a deal for Colin Kaepernick.
Other beneficiaries from the recent trades include all of the teams drafting 3-6, with the Chargers (No. 3) now positioned to take either Ole Miss OT Laremy Tunsil or FSU CB/S Jalen Ramsey – arguably the two best prospects in the draft. If San Diego does take Tunsil, the Cowboys will likely jump all over Ramsey at No. 4, leaving the Jaguars to pick between the likes of DE Joey Bosa, LB Myles Jack and DE/DT DeForest Buckner at No. 5. The Ravens, at No. 6, are probably rooting for Tunsil to tumble, but they could also use defensive help at pretty much every position.
Looking at things strictly through the lens of fantasy football, it's hard to muster any excitement about Goff, assuming the Rams do indeed make him the first overall pick. St. Louis will likely build its receiver-deficient offense around Todd Gurley, and Goff doesn't offer running potential to compensate for poor passing volume. Even if he starts all 16 games, the Cal product will likely just be a low-end option for two-QB leagues.
Wentz, assuming he lands in Philadelphia, will be the more appealing rookie-year fantasy commodity, even though he may have to battle Sam Bradford for the starting job. The Eagles parted ways with Chip Kelly and his fast-paced attack, but new head coach Doug Pederson also has a strong offensive mind, and Wentz possesses two important things that Goff doesn't: running ability and decent receiving weapons.
Granted, it's quite rare for rookie signal-callers to emerge as legit QB1s, so Wentz will merely be a late-round flier in most formats. If the reports are wrong and the Rams take him, Wentz may not even warrant that kind of consideration.
