Trading up or down in the NFL draft can determine a franchise’s future. For example, the Carolina Panthers sent wide receiver DJ Moore, their 2023 first- and second-round picks, a 2024 first-round pick and a 2025 second-round pick to the Chicago Bears for the 2023 No. 1 overall pick. Despite getting the quarterback, Bryce Young, that they wanted, the team continued struggling offensively, becoming the worst total offense and passing offense after the 2023-2024 season, per Fox Sports.
However, not all trade-ups fail, as the Houston Texans found defensive end Will Anderson Jr. after acquiring the No. 3 pick from the Arizona Cardinals. After a promising rookie year with 45 total tackles and seven sacks, Anderson Jr. won the 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year award, per ESPN. Fast forward to the 2025 draft, no first-round transactions have happened before draft night, the first time since 2014, according to the NFL. With that being said, in this week’s edition of Tyler’s Take, I discuss which teams could make surprising moves throughout the first night.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Matt Freed, File)
Pittsburgh Steelers
In March of the 2024 offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers sent quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles. After searching the market for a new starter, the team signed Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The quarterback duo combined for 3,588 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and six interceptions, finishing with a 10-7 record and wildcard playoff appearance. Despite a respectable 2024-2025 campaign, both veterans moved on with Wilson heading to the New York Giants and Fields going to the New York Jets. Regardless of the breakup, signing Aaron Rodgers looks like the plan for the Steelers. Nonetheless, problems arise, as Rodgers is no stranger to stalling.
Back in the 2023 offseason, the 41-year-old said on The Pat McAfee Show, “I made it clear my intention was to play and to play for the New York Jets,” per ESPN. However, the trade was processed 40 days after confirming the rumors and the Jets signing former Green Bay Packer player, according to ESPN.
Looking at the Steelers’ situation, the four-time MVP conversed with head coach Mike Tomlin on March 21, but no decision was made. With just hours left, the franchise is backed into a corner, needing to choose between taking a quarterback in the first or second round or waiting for Rodgers.
“Omar [Khan] and I just got off on a nice tour here last week, where we were at ND [Notre Dame], Ohio State, and Texas,” said Tomlin to On3, hinting towards drafting a quarterback. As the NFL draft approaches, the win-now team must decide what the future will look like.
Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead (72) looks on from the sideline before an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in Orchard Park, NY. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko, File)
Miami Dolphins
In the past two weeks, the Miami Dolphins saw roster changes on both sides of the ball. Starting off, the offensive lineman Terron Armstead announced his retirement after 12 years in the league. Despite always getting injured, the left tackle played a crucial role in the Dolphins’ offensive line. After the 2024-2025 campaign, the 33-year-old received a nearly-85 pass-blocking grade and an almost-83 and a half run-blocking grade. Overall, the veteran nearly secured an 89 and a half grade, the third best amongst 140 offensive linemen, per PFF.
Looking at the draft, taking a big man with the No. 13 pick seems like the best option, but general manager Chris Grier made things more interesting. During a news conference on Tuesday, April 15, Grier announced that trade talks were opened for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, per ESPN. With the two parties potentially parting ways, Kader Kohou—who accumulated 45 tackles, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions—leads the secondary. With little time remaining, the franchise selecting twice in the first round should come as no surprise, as both positions need filling with top prospects.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints’ quarterback problem continues to spiral downward; Derek Carr has an injured shoulder, jeopardizing his 2024-2025 campaign, per Ian Rapoport on X. In 2023, the 34-year-old suffered an AC joint sprain that never fully recovered, possibly causing the damage, according to NOLA.
With the draft around the corner, switching plans and targeting Shedeur Sanders is a must, as the franchise’s backups, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener, failed to win games. This was after Carr endured a season-ending injury in week 14 last year. This puts first-year head coach Kellen Moore in a tough situation and, with the Giants taking Wilson, Sanders should land with the Saints.
Fans can watch the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday at 8 p.m. on the NFL Network, ESPN or ABC.