It’s one of the more likely scenarios of the NFL Draft. The Buffalo Bills using the 12th and 22nd picks in the first round as chess pieces to move up to the 2nd overall pick the New York Giants own. The thought is the Bills, in need of a franchise quarterback, would have their pick of four of the top five remaining signal callers at the position.
Per Chris Wesseling of NFL.com, a trade might just be a pipe dream as it is highly unlikely for the deal to happen prior to the NFL Draft on Thursday night or while the Giants are on the clock.
The Buffalo Bills signed AJ McCarron in the offseason after trading Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns. The Bills made the playoffs last season for the first time since 1999.
Appearing on Monday’s edition of Good Morning Football, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport cautioned not to read too much into Bills GM Brandon Beane’s history with new Giants boss Dave Gettleman.
“From what I understand, it’s not going to be one of those things where they just sell out and (trade) all the way to No. 2 with the Giants,” Rapoport said. “I would be at this moment surprised if that happens.”
Moving 10 spots is pretty steep for a quarterback that may or may not pan out. While as many as six passers could be drafted in the first round, the Buffalo Bills may be able to sit at 12 and still get Louisville’s Lamar Jackson. The Miami Dolphins could also be interested in a franchise quarterback with their 11th overall pick in the NFL Draft. Rapoport suggested a deal for the fifth or sixth pick might be a better scenario for the Bills.
The Indianapolis Colts and general manager Chris Ballard already said the team may be willing to move down the draft board once again. Denver is in the market for a signal caller, but signed Case Keenum in free agency from the Minnesota Vikings.
As Wesseling also pointed out, Arizona Cardinals GM Steve Keim is in the market for a quarterback after being leapfrogged for Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson last year. Although Keim would be open to a trade, Rapoport explained, it’s most likely to happen if his coveted quarterback falls past the Dolphins and would require jumping just a few spots.
If someone like Josh Rosen of UCLA falls in the back end of the top 10 of the NFL Draft, it is possible the New England Patriots may also be in play here as their own the 23rd and 31st picks in the first round.
The Buffalo Bills may also take a look at Oklahoma State quarterback Mason Rudolph, as he figures to be there in the middle of the first round. The Cardinals are said to love Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma, but he may be drafted as high as third overall by the New York Jets.