The 2021 NFL draft is nine days out and the rumors are flooding in. Many of them are deemed smoke or just purely non-factual, but people tend to pay a bit more attention when a report comes out from one of the best sports reporters in the business.
One recent report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is that the Miami Dolphins could be open to making a third trade in the first round. They traded back from the third overall selection to the 12th pick and then moved up to the sixth overall pick.
They apparently can’t make up their mind on where they’d like to pick in this year’s draft, but this could be to the advantage of the Arizona Cardinals.
Originally reported by Arizona Sports 98.7’s John Gambadoro and also suggested by NFL Network’s Peter Schrager in two different mock drafts, Arizona is exploring options to trade up and Florida tight end Kyle Pitts is a potential target.
In order for this to happen, it’s quite possible four quarterbacks would have to go in the top five. The Cincinnati Bengals, who have the fifth overall pick, would likely need to not take LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase, and instead choose to protect second-year quarterback Joe Burrow, who is recovering from a torn ACL, with a top tackle prospect. This week’s rumors mill says the Bengals are locked in on Chase, but again, one must always take those with a grain of salt.
There is concern that the Dolphins may be looking to move back because they believe the top two pass catchers will be gone by pick No. 6. This would mean Kyle Pitts likely goes to Atlanta at fourth overall, and Chase going fifth. With those two off the board, a trade to six wouldn’t make sense for the Cardinals.
However, here is how a Cardinals-Dolphins trade could be viable.
- Trevor Lawrence, JAX
- Zach Wilson, NYJ
- Mac Jones, SF
- Justin Fields, ATL
- Ja’Marr Chase, CIN
- Kyle Pitts, ARI
It’s quite difficult to see the Dolphins’ dull offense from last season not opt to take Kyle Pitts in this situation, regardless of the trade package dealt by the Cardinals. But, in this instance, here is a projected trade based off trade values:
Miami receives: 2021 first round pick (No. 16), 2022 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick,
Arizona receives: No. 6 overall, used to select TE Kyle Pitts
Chances of Trade: Unlikely
The hard truth here is the Dolphins would be foolish to allow another team to jump them for Kyle Pitts given their offensive struggles last season. It would be a massive haul for the Cardinals to give up.
As of today, in my opinion, this is the most feasible opportunity for the Cardinals to acquire Kyle Pitts.
- Trevor Lawrence, JAX
- Zach Wilson, NYJ
- Mac Jones, SF
- Justin Fields, ATL
- Penei Sewell, CIN
- Ja’Marr Chase, MIA
- Kyle Pitts, ARI (Trade with DET)
DET receives: No. 16 overall, 2022 first rounder, 2022 third rounder
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