The annual National Football League draft will open at 7 o’clock tonight (Thursday night), with reports of numerous teams looking to open up salary cap room and roster space by making veterans available for trade.
Mike Lombardi of the Ringer, via Twitter, says the NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers have made edge rusher (and former Chief) Dee Ford, linebacker Kwon Alexander, and safety Jaquiski Tartt all available, of course “for the right price”. Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin also remains available via potential trade.
In Washington, the pre-draft buzz revolves around what the Redskins will do with the #2 overall selection, and the future of stalwart left tackle Trent Williams in D.C. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com says the phones are ringing in Washington, and the team is “listening to offers” concerning Williams. Washington’s choice at #2 in the draft could shape which direction the draft goes. The conventional wisdom says the team will pick Ohio State defensive end Chase Young with the pick, but the Redskins are said to be at least considering the quarterback prospects, including Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa and Utah State’s Jordan Love.
Detroit has the #3 pick, the Giants select #4, followed by Miami, with numerous reports indicating that a trade between the Lions and Dolphins involving their first-round selections could be forthcoming.
With the off-season trade of wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills, the Minnesota Vikings are one of the teams with two (22 and 25) first-round selections tonight. In exchange for Diggs and a 7th round selection, Buffalo sent, to Minnesota, the Bills 1st, 5th, and 6th round selections this year and the fourth round selection in 2021. With great depth in this year’s receiving class, the Vikings, if they stay with their picks, could choose an immediate replacement for Diggs’ position on the roster. With the departures of Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes, and Mackensie Alexander, Minnesota is also thin at cornerback heading into 2020.