We're just days away from the NFL Draft, and things are a bit too quiet for comfort when it comes to trade drama. Usually by now, we've seen at least one trade involving a first-round pick, but not a single deal has been made -- or more notably spoken about in recent days.
That doesn't mean we won't see moves made once draft night arrives. That's something ESPN insider Adam Schefter hinted at in his latest column rounding up all the intel he's hearing from around the league. It's not trades up in the order that could happen, but rather moves down the board that could end up causing some chaos.
Right now, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the No. 19 pick, but Schefter seems to think that might change in the near future.
Adam Schefter offers intel on Buccaneers potential NFL Draft plans
Nothing is imminent, but Schefter included the Bucs in his list of teams looking to trade down in the draft this year. Tampa Bay isn't the only team, but the wide range of teams they're standing alongside goes to show just how iffy this incoming class seems to be.
Then again, we've seen Jason Licht cook in the draft before and arming him with more picks on Day 2 could be something that results in a better overall haul than most.
"On the other side of things, the Steelers (No. 21) are among the teams interested in moving back from their first-round slot. That list also includes the Jaguars (5), Panthers (8), 49ers (11), Falcons (15), Seahawks (18), Buccaneers (19), and Vikings (24), who currently have four picks, the fewest any team," Schefter reported.
He also noted that while those teams would like to trade down, there aren't many teams looking to move up, which could complicate things. This intel is pretty much in line with what we've been hearing about Tampa Bay's plans lately, which suggests a consensus is starting to form.
If the Bucs stand pat at No. 19, it seems likely they're going to end up with either Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell or Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku. Those aren't the only two options, but few other names have been mentioned as often as theirs.
Shemar Stewart and Will Thompson are starting to gain traction as well, the latter of which would fill a need at cornerback, but those are both late entries in the race. Then again, we've seen Licht zag away from the consensus before, so perhaps we're in store for that again.
What this all indicates -- from the various prospects to the growing idea that the Bucs will trade out of their current position -- is that Tampa Bay has options. We're just days away from the draft arriving and the fact we don't have a clue how things will go makes it about as exciting as it gets.
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