Fans of these teams shouldn’t get too comfortable when they come on the clock.
With the overall consensus around this draft class being that it’s not as strong as previous years, there’s bound to be some excitement surrounding the first round of the NFL Draft. Come April 24, there could be a dozen different mock drafts with a dozen different outcomes in them, leading for a chaotic first round potentially full of trades.
But which teams are the most primed to trade back and stockpile Day 2 picks? Here are four teams that probably won’t be making a pick at their designated slot next Thursday night.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings currently have their own first round pick (24th). Their next pick lands at No. 97, in round 3. Due to the lasting effects of trading their second, third, and fourth round picks to select outside linebacker Dallas Turner in 2024, the Vikings only have four picks to work with in this entire draft class. With a few holes still left to fill on the defensive side of the ball, I think the Vikings are in a prime spot to trade back and acquire some more picks so they can stockpile the back part of their defense. Vikings’ GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah isn’t afraid to make deals up and down the board, so don’t be surprised if the Vikings make their move down the board.
The Vikings’ only selections in this draft are No. 24, No. 97, No. 139, and No. 187. That’s not good enough. Look for the Vikings to trade back if the opportunity presents itself.
Los Angeles Rams
Although they have two picks in Round 3, I still think the Rams could end up punting their first rounder to someone else in order to stockpile value. The Rams are well-known for their ability to scout and find talent later in the draft, and if a team does end up ringing their line to move up or back into the first round I could see them moving down the board. Their offensive line is pretty much set, and after adding WR Davante Adams, I think they use their picks on the defensive side of the ball early. Don’t be surprised if the Rams move back at all.
The Rams currently have picks No. 26, No. 90, No. 101, No. 127, No. 190, No. 194, No. 201, and No. 202. They would love to get into the second round if possible, because a lot of these picks are very late.
New York Giants
So, remember this happening last week?
The #Saints suddenly have a major QB question: Starter Derek Carr is now dealing with a shoulder injury that threatens his availability for this season, sources say.
Carr is weighing options, including the possibility of surgery. pic.twitter.com/QNdc9ipE8P
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 11, 2025
Everything is going to Giants’ GM Joe Schoen’s plan. New York might not want to take QB Shedeur Sanders if he falls to No. 3, and despite Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter being very good, the question of where you play him does pop into the mind. The Giants could use this news of Carr potentially being out for the season to leverage their way into trading out of the third overall pick with a team that’s either desperate for a QB or a team that really wants that EDGE rusher (cough cough, Carolina). It feels like the draft really starts at New York, and the Giants could end up moving back in the top ten.
Kansas City Chiefs
It always seems like the Chiefs could end up trading back in the first round. More often than not, it’s because they’re picking at 31 or 32, but this year I think it would make sense for KC to trade back. If there’s a run on defensive tackles or offensive linemen early on in the draft (two of the stronger parts of this class), Kansas City could end up moving back and trying to stockpile Day 2 picks so they can bolster a roster that is aging rapidly. In addition, if a team really wants a QB (Cleveland) and wants to get the fifth-year option on their guy, Kansas City moving from 31 to 33 doesn’t seem like bad business at all.
Who do you think ends up trading back on Day 1 of the NFL Draft?
