The NFL witnessed a pair of blockbuster trades on Friday that could guarantee the first three picks in the 2021 NFL Draft are quarterbacks. The Miami Dolphins were the center of both trades on Friday that could affect the Bengals. Miami first moved back from 12 to three in a trade with San Francisco that involved other draft picks.
Miami also received a third-round pick in 2022, a first-round pick in 2022 and a first-round pick in 2023 from San Francisco. The 49ers jumped from 12 to three due to the need for a quarterback Miami Dolphins moved back after drafting Tua Tagovalioa fifth in the 2020 NFL Draft. Miami made a follow-up trade with Philadelphia.
The Dolphins sent the 12th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft they acquired from San Francisco to the Eagles for the sixth and 156th overall pick. Philadelphia also acquires Miami’s first-round pick in 2022 and the 123rd pick in 2021. This sequence assures a few things will be in play.
Blockbuster trade guarantees the Bengals will get who they want
Miami was the one team not looking for a QB in the 2021 NFL Draft. Tagovailoa is the Dolphins’ future and they want to add a star weapon just like the Cincinnati could. Now that the Dolphins are out of the way, the Bengals can easily take LSU WR Ja’Marr Chase or Florida tight end Kyle Pitts.
There is still a possibility that Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell won’t be there when the Bengals pick fifth. The Atlanta Falcons are looking for defense or an offensive lineman with the fourth pick in the draft. There is a chance Atlanta can trade down to the Carolina Panthers to ensure the first four picks would be a QB.
The Bengals can also trade with Carolina. Cincinnati can grab a serious amount of draft compensation and still have a weapon for Joe Burrow in the eighth spot.
What the Bengals should do after Dolphins blockbuster trade
There has been a firm belief that the Bengals have always been in a prime position to trade down due to the QB class. After the Dolphins trades, I’m not so sure. Two teams benefited from quantity in this draft due to the trades. The Bengals should not go for quantity but instead, go for quality in the NFL Draft.
The last time the Bengals had a chance to trade down they didn’t. In the 2010 NFL Draft, the Bengals selected Georgia WR A.J. Green. They picked the best weapon available and they weren’t disappointed. This time they can get legitimate playmakers for Burrow in Pitts or Chase.