3 Teams That Should Trade Down in 2021 NFL Draft

The NFL Draft has already featured two major trades and there could be more on the way up until the names are getting called at the end of April. While certain teams are looking to trade up, there are also a number of teams that could be looking to trade down and acquire some additional assets for the future.

That is what makes the NFL Draft so exciting and unpredictable. No one truly knows what these front offices have planned until the trades are announced. With that in mind, here are three teams that should trade down in the 2021 NFL Draft.

1. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are in a great spot with the No. 4 overall pick. Atlanta could draft a quarterback to develop under veteran Matt Ryan, but it would receive a major package in return if it were to trade this pick. It would likely look similar to the package the Miami Dolphins just traded the No. 3 pick for. The Falcons still have a core in place capable of making a playoff run in the next few years. They can trade down here and address a position of need by taking a player like offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker or cornerback Patrick Surtain II. There's also a chance they could still draft a quarterback if the opportunity arises to trade back just a few spots.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have multiple holes to address on their roster and that can be aided by acquiring more picks in the NFL Draft. Currently owning the No. 24 overall selection, Pittsburgh could trade down and add to its current eight picks in the draft. This situation makes a lot of sense if the Steelers decide to draft a running back. Top prospect Najee Harris is expected to be a late first-round pick, but Clemson's Travis Etienne could easily fall to the second round. The Steelers could grab him there and come out with a steal. This may be a risky move, but it is one Pittsburgh should make if running back is truly its first-round target.

3. Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have the No. 10 overall pick in this draft, but a trade down would be beneficial to them. They could still grab an elite defensive prospect later in the first round due to how many offensive skill players are expected to be drafted within the first 15 picks of the draft. For example, Dallas needs help in the secondary and could likely still draft either cornerback Caleb Farley or Jaycee Horn if it trades down a few spots. This type of move would also allow the Cowboys to acquire additional draft picks and build some depth on the defense.

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Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.