Early Round Bold Predictions || NFL Draft

49ers Trade Aiyuk For Top 20 Pick. 

The situation between Aiyuk and the 49ers has been well documented and it feels like the only thing that's missing is a public trade request. If I was a betting man my money would be firmly on the side of the 49ers paying Aiyuk and avoiding all of the training camp buzz. John Lynch has seemingly confirmed that this is San Francisco’s preference: 

But…

If a trade were to happen involving Aiyuk it would happen during the Draft when the board starts to shake in a way that teams might not have seen coming. The teams linked closest to Aiyuk are the Jaguars (currently pick 17) and the Steelers (pick 20). Both teams could use a top WR and have the cap space (and draft picks) to really push for an up and coming star. In a VERY deep WR class, I think a top 20 pick and another pick inside the top 120 will get it done and SF will select CB Terrion Arnold or Nate Wiggins. The Niners have 2 big needs in CB and OL and with 2 first round picks the 49ers can knock out those holes on the first night and focus on depth and developmental pieces the rest of the way

Raiders Move Into Top 5 For LSU QB Jayden Daniels  

At the time of this article being written Jayden Daniels and his camp didn’t quite like the group meeting the Commanders did with the top QB’s. Patriots Director of Player Personal Elliot Wolff said that the team was open for business for the 3rd pick (and every one of their picks). We know Chicago will go Williams at one and if the Commanders do go Maye (or dare I say… JJ McCarthy) at two, Antonio Pierce and Tom Telesco will be offering whatever it takes to get their guy. 

No RBs In The Top 60 Picks 

There was a ton of RB movement in the early parts of Free Agency and while some teams still have holes in their RB room it doesn’t look like any prospects are jumping up boards. Trey Benson, Jonathan Brooks and Braelon Allen have the best shot at hearing their names go first but I don’t see any team spending a first or second round on them. 

Colts Trade Up For TE Brock Bowers 

Brock Bowers is one of my favorite players in the draft. At 6’4 and 240 pounds he’s an excellent pass catcher and could add a ton to an offense in need of an in-line pass catcher. The Colts need a TE in the worst way and getting Anthony Richardson another option should be atop their draft needs. Bowers pairing up with Pittman, Pierce and Taylor would give the Colts a legitimate group of weapons that Shane Steichen could do some serious damage with. 

Extra Pick That Was made on 4/20 but the editor decided to go to a BBQ instead of posting:

Zach Wilson Traded For Day 3 Pick

The Jets have been dangling Zach Wilson for the entire off-season and like the Aiyuk situation, teams will be looking to add to their QB room this weekend. Once picks start flying off the board, Zach Wilson’s name could be thrown out as a potential option for teams who missed on QB’s. Wilson needs a change of scenery in the worst way and the Jets just need to move on from a player who they clearly whiffed on.

- Vince Sciacqua || Upside Play