-
Follow Us
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
We’ve read all about big-name players being on the trade block ahead of this week’s NFL Draft. There’s a number of household names who could be moved.
On the other end of the ledger, we fully expect some lesser-known players to be traded. That includes a franchise-tagged guard in New England and an electric young running back currently calling Northern California home.
Here is a look at five underrated players who could be moved during the three-day draft starting Thursday evening.
Joe Thuney, guard, New England Patriots
New England’s decision to place the franchise tag on Thuney now looks like a bad idea. He will earn $14.78 million next season. Given that the Pats are like to struggle following the departure of QB Tom Brady, look for them to move the 27-year-old guard.
The Pats likely won’t get the compensation they’re hoping for here. They are looking at nothing more than a third-round pick. Even then, other teams with needs at guard could come calling. It would require signing Thuney to a long-term deal, but could be well worth it.
Matt Breida, running back, San Francisco 49ers
It’s quickly becoming a numbers game for San Francisco in the backfield. The defending NFC champs have five running backs currently on their roster after bringing back the injury-plagued Jerick McKinnon. He’s joined by breakout star Raheem Mostert as well as Breida, Tevin Coleman and Jeff Wilson.
At least one of these players will likely be moved. The 49ers extended a second-round restricted free-agent offer to Breida, paying him $3.3 million this season. The former undrafted free agent has averaged nearly 800 total yards at 5.5 yards per touch throughout his three-year career. He will be of major interest to other teams during this week’s draft.
Rasul Douglas, cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles
There has been talk that Philadelphia could look to move this former third-round pick. The Eagles upgraded at cornerback, trading for Pro Bowler Darius Slay and signing veteran Nickell Robey-Coleman.
Could the 25-year-old Douglas be the odd-man out after he took a step back last season?
It’s more than possible. Some speculation has surrounded a player-for-player trade with the 49ers. That could involve Breida or a wide receiver. Either way, look for Douglas to be dealt at some point within the next few days.
Corey Davis, wide receiver, Tennessee Titans
The No. 5 overall pick in 2017, Davis simply has not lived up to expectations in Nashville. Splitting time between catching passes from Marcus Mariota and Ryan Tannehill, Davis had 43 receptions for 601 yards last season. This came after a solid 65-catch performance in 2018.
Tennessee could look to cut its losses by moving Davis for a mid-round pick during the draft. It has an impressive second-year player in A.J. Brown set to become the team’s No. 1 receiver. Let’s not even mention the presence of free-agent acquisition Adam Humphries. It would not be a surprise if Davis were moved. He could use a change of scenery.
Tarik Cohen, running back, Chicago Bears
Speaking of needing a change of scenery, Cohen simply has not fit Matt Nagy’s system since Nagy took over as head coach in 2018. The former fourth-round pick had 669 total yards last season. He averaged less than 10 touches per game.
Chicago is set to move forward with David Montgomery as its top back. Why not look to move Cohen to a better situation while adding valuable draft pick assets? If you’re not going to use him, there’s no reason to retain this smallish running back.
More must-reads:
- NFL Research shows trading up to draft quarterback often isn't worth it
- Three-round NFL mock draft: How many QBs will go in Round 1?
- The 'NFL MVP runners-up' quiz
Breaking News
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
