2024 NFL Draft: Oddsmaker projects how many trades will happen in first round

There are all sorts of rumored trades for Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft. Lots of teams are shopping for a quarterback, maybe an elite receiver or offensive tackle. Will they add to the drama by swapping picks and players?

So far, there is much buzz that the Vikings, Broncos and possibly the Raiders could be looking to deal in the NFL Draft first round. Plus, the Bills need a receiver after trading Stefon Diggs to the Texans. The Cardinals may want to move out of pick No. 4. Same for the Chargers at No. 5. The Bears have two picks and could be open to vacating No. 9 since they own the top selection. And several teams need a quality offensive tackle.

But you also need players to fulfill the trades. Betonline SportsBook has assessed which NFL vets could be moving to a new team starting on Thursday night. The over/under is 5.5 trades in the first round, but the wheeling and dealing could go on all three days. Let’s take a look at the potential candidates to be the first vet off the trade board.

1. 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk, 2/1

49ers GM John Lynch told reporters earlier this week that he doesn’t “anticipate” a trade involving Aiyuk. But an unidentified NFL executive told the San Francisco Chronicle that the 49ers still are actively shopping Aiyuk.

The problem may be the cost. The 49ers want a first round NFL Draft pick, although the request could go down to a second. Aiyuk is coming off a banner year with 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He also aveaged 17.9 yards a catch in one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL.

2. Saints RB Alvin Kamara, 3/1

The Saints need some cap space and Kamara is getting old. It’s really that simple in rationalizing why he may be tradable during the NFL Draft.

So why get rid of Kamara? Well, in two of the last three seasons, he’s averaged less than 4 yards per carry. However, he still is one of the best pass-catching backs, posting 75 receptions last fall. The Saints switched offensive coordinators who may want to keep Kamara.

3. Broncos WR Courtland Sutton, 4/1

Sutton wants a new contract with the Broncos. And he hasn’t reported to voluntary OTAs. Might Denver trade away this receiver?

If the Broncos do unload Sutton, the Steelers could be on the other side of the trade. Pittsburgh is in the market after dealing Diontae Johnson last month. The Steelers also have been connected to trade whispers in regards to Aiyuk.

4. Titans WR DeAndre Hopkins, 5/1

Hopkins always seems to be on the move. The Texans traded him to the Cardinals in March, 2020. Then last summer, the receiver opted to sign a free agent deal with the Titans.

Last fall, Hopkins caught 75 passes for 1057 yards and seven touchdowns. Tennessee also switched its quarterbacks from Ryan Tannehill to rookie Will Levis. Hopkins still has a year remaining on his contract.

5. Bengals WR Tee Higgins, 6/1

It shouldn’t be a surprise that Higgins is on a trade list. After all, the former Clemson star requested one back in March. That was after the Bengals stuck him with the franchise tag.

Cincinnati has until July to sign Higgins. But given how much they have tied up in Joe Burrow and potentially in Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins could be too expensive to keep. So maybe the Bengals unload him sometime during the NFL Draft for cheaper rookies.

6. Eagles WR A.J. Brown, 8/1

Like Higgins, Brown also requested a trade. But the Eagles haven’t been too keen to send away their top wideout.

However, Brown certainly is dropping hints about a certain team. He started using a photo of Tom Brady as his profile pic on social media. And then he started following several Patriots. New England needs everything.

Remember that most folks are expecting several trades Thursday night. It wouldn’t be an NFL Draft without some swaps. To catch up on all the draft chatter, click it here.