The 2022 NFL Draft is quickly approaching. Teams are finalizing their draft boards as players are participating in Pro Days around the country as they attempt to bolster their draft stock one final time.
For some teams, this will be the highlight of their offseason. It will be the best opportunity that they have to add some talent to the roster and fans will be excited to see which new, young players they will get to watch play for their favorite team.
This year, like in years past, there will be some teams looking to maneuver around the board so that they can match needs with value. But, it takes two teams to tango, as there needs to be a team willing to trade up to complete a deal if a deal is looking to move down.
We previously took a look at which teams may be looking to move up in the 2022 NFL Draft. Let’s take a look at three teams that they could match up with as franchises that may be interested in moving down the draft board.
3. New York Jets
The New York Jets have done a great job this offseason continuing to build their roster up. Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh are on the same page when it comes to roster construction and the Jets are on the right path.
The Jets have a great chance to continue bolstering their roster in the draft. Thanks to trades with the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers, the Jets have four selections in the first 38 picks of the draft.
They have some clear needs heading into the draft but they are in a prime position to trade down. Depending on how the board shakes out, New York could find excellent value matching up with needs depending on how far down the draft board they move.
Stockpiling as many bites at the apple is what the Jets should prioritize. If the opportunity presents itself to add more capital in this draft or the future, they will seriously consider it.
2. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans finally put an end to the Deshaun Watson saga this offseason. After sitting out all of the 2021 season, the Texans finally traded him, sending him to the Cleveland Browns for a bunch of draft picks.
Houston needs virtually everything on their roster as they are looking like one of the worst teams in the league heading into 2022. So, trading out of the No. 3 spot would normally be counterintuitive, but they need to get as many picks as they can get their hands on.
They have 11 selections in this year’s draft but could have a golden opportunity to acquire a boatload of draft picks. They present the opportunity for a team looking for a quarterback. If the Detroit Lions pass on selecting a signal-caller, the Texans’ phones will be ringing off the hook with teams looking to catapult up the draft board to select the quarterback they feel is No. 1 in this year’s class.
1. New York Giants
Under new management, it is unclear what the New York Giants will do during the 2021 NFL Draft. Everything should be on the table as this is a team that has plenty of needs and is in a rough spot when it comes to the salary cap.
Owning picks No. 5 and 7, they are in a prime position to trade down. The Carolina Panthers, who pick No. 6, could be the first spot that a quarterback goes off the board. Teams around the league know that and anyone looking to move up to select one should be placing calls to the Giants.
The same rationale applies to the No. 7 pick. Getting ahead of the Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders is a must for anyone that wants their pick of the quarterback prospects in this year’s class.
The Giants should be open for business during the draft and open-minded to moving down, something they haven’t done much in their franchise history.
