Introduction
In the world of professional football, the NFL Draft is a highly anticipated event where teams have the opportunity to acquire new, talented players to improve their roster. One strategy that teams often use during the draft is trading up, but what exactly does it mean to trade up in the NFL Draft?
Definition of Trading Up
Trading up in the NFL Draft refers to a team giving up its current draft picks or players in exchange for a higher draft pick. This move is typically made when a team is targeting a specific player they believe will greatly benefit their team. By trading up, teams hope to secure the player before other teams have the chance to select them.
Benefits of Trading Up
There are several benefits to trading up in the NFL Draft. Firstly, it allows a team to secure a player they highly value and believe will make an immediate impact on their team. Trading up also gives teams the opportunity to avoid missing out on a player they have their sights set on if they were to stay put with their original draft position.
Examples of Trading Up
One of the most famous examples of a successful trade up in the NFL Draft is when the Atlanta Falcons traded up in the 2001 draft to select Michael Vick with the first overall pick. Vick went on to have a successful career in the NFL and was considered one of the most electrifying players of his time.
- In 2016, the Philadelphia Eagles traded up to the second overall pick to select quarterback Carson Wentz. Wentz helped lead the Eagles to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history in 2018.
- In 2017, the Kansas City Chiefs traded up to select quarterback Patrick Mahomes with the 10th overall pick. Mahomes went on to win the NFL MVP award in 2018 and led the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory in 2020.
Statistics on Trading Up
According to data from the past decade, teams that trade up in the first round of the NFL Draft have a higher success rate in selecting impact players compared to teams that stay put with their original draft position. This trend has led more teams to consider trading up as a viable strategy to secure top talent.
Conclusion
Trading up in the NFL Draft is a high-risk, high-reward strategy that can pay off big for teams looking to bolster their roster with top-tier talent. By targeting specific players and making bold moves to secure them, teams have the opportunity to change the trajectory of their franchise for years to come.
