3 Most Likely Players to Be Traded During NFL Draft

The 2021 NFL Draft will officially start with the first round on Thursday. All eyes are on who will go in top 10, but there's the potential for trades of big-name veterans to add intrigue during the three-day event.

Here are three players who could be traded during the 2021 NFL Draft.

3. Stephon Gilmore

It's no secret the New England Patriots are desperate to land one of the top QBs in this year's class. It's likely that they could trade up from pick No. 15 into the top 10 for one of Justin Fields, Trey Lance or Mac Jones if they slip. And the recent trade rumors surrounding Stephon Gilmore indicate he could be used in a package for New England to crack the top 10 of the draft. While he only suited up in 11 games during a down 2020 campaign, he's just one season removed from winning Defensive Player of the Year with 6 INTs and 20 passes defended. The veteran cornerback could be intriguing to a team like the Dallas Cowboys that desperately needs secondary help. Gilmore is an attractive trade chip to lay on the table if there's potential to land a QB.

2. Zach Ertz

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz is on his way out after eight years in Philly. Another player who had injuries and a poor 2020 season, Ertz could still be a piece that contenders are happy to add for a late-round pick. If he can even get close to the 88 receptions, 916 yards and 6 TDs he put up as a 2019 Pro Bowler, he'd be a huge low-cost addition for title hopefuls looking to bolster their receiving corps in 2021. And the lacking TE depth in this class could motivate teams to make a deal. Philadelphia should be happy to part with him for a pick as they fill out their roster depth.

1. Jimmy Garoppolo

Once the San Francisco 49ers make their top quarterback selection with the No. 3 pick, Jimmy Garoppolo's tenure will officially be on the clock. The injury-plagued QB had his shot to lead this team to a title but fell short, and the 49ers are ready to move on. Despite his injury troubles, the 49ers could still get as high as a second-round pick for Jimmy G from a QB-needy team. Outside of the Patriots, the Denver Broncos are also scrambling for a new starter, and Garoppolo will likely be the favorite to land with whichever team misses out on a top signal-caller in the first round of the draft.

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Isaiah De Los Santos is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Isaiah De Los Santos also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username zayyy05328. 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.