In a shocking trade weeks before the NFL draft, the New York Jets have traded up from the #6 pick overall to #3 pick. The Jets made the deal with the Indianapolis Colts and will send additional picks. With the Colts trading down, that most likely means the Buffalo Bills will have to find a new trading partner if they pursue their franchise quarterback.
After trading up to the #12 pick from the Cincinnati Bengals, the Bills still managed to keep the #22 pick which could lead to a trade package to keep moving up in the draft. Now that the Jets have traded up, to what can be expected as a quarterback, what should the Bills do?
There are three different options for the Bills, but it’s up to Brandon Beane and his front office on what the team’s best interest is.
1.) Trade with the Giants at #2
Beane has connections with Giants general manager, David Gettleman. Both men worked together in Carolina in the last couple of years. The Bills will have to put together a big trade package to crack the top three and get ahead of the Jets. It will more than likely involve their two first-round picks, two second-round picks, as well as their two third-round picks. If the Bills feel comfortable making this type of trade of a quarterback, which would most likely have to be Sam Darnold or Josh Rosen, this is the route to go.
2.) Don’t Trade Up At All
This scenario is a possibility for the Bills. They traded up from #21 to #12, but they have the chance to trade up again if they do so. Unless, that is if Beane feels like the Bills would have to give up too much for one player. Since his arrival last offseason, Beane has made splashes for the Bills, but has not given up a ton of value in those moves.
In this situation, Beane may decide to play it safe and keep the two first-round picks and hope that someone may fall to that spot at #12. Rosen and Darnold are most likely going in the top five if not top three, so their next two options could be Baker Mayfield or Josh Allen.
3.) Get Into The Top Ten
Just two spots out of #10, the Bills could even get in between picks #5 and #10. If the Bills want to get someone like Mayfield or Allen, this would be a more ideal place to go if they feel that neither one of them will fall to #12. The main problem is the value they would potentially give up to move up no more than seven spots. Beane has done a well job done when it comes to trades, but this might be a big risk if it is what the final decision is.
-Brandon Ray is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage and covers the Buffalo Bills. Follow him on Twitter at @brandon_ray79 and @FPC_Bills for Buffalo Bills coverage.