The NFL Draft has come and gone. Several players stand out as strong trade targets based on talent, draft capital, landing spot, and long-term upside. These rookies may not be immediate stars, but their skill sets, and roles make them worthwhile acquisitions. Whether you’re rebuilding or reinforcing a contender, this rookie trade advice can become foundational assets or future trade chips.
Tight Ends | Rookie Trade Advice
Colston Loveland | Chicago Bears | Age 21
In the pre-Draft process, Colston Loveland was my TE2, just behind Tyler Warren. However, I had both tight ends in the same tier, so landing spots mattered in this instance. Loveland is a smooth route runner and has excellent hands. He landed with the Chicago Bears and could be utilized much like Sam LaPorta was in Detroit for Head Coach Ben Johnson. Johnson saw something in Colston Loveland that he did not see in Cole Kmet.
Currently, Loveland is ranked as the TE6 and 62nd overall in our dynasty ranks. That price tag is just too high for me to try to acquire Loveland. If I were a contender, I would try to acquire a more proven, older asset such as Mark Andrews or George Kittle.
Tyler Warren | Indianapolis Colts | Age 23
While Colston Loveland’s landing spot was less than ideal, Tyler Warren’s was even worse. The Colts quarterback room consists of Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, neither of whom has passed for over 3,300 passing yards in a season.
I am by far the lowest on Warren as the consensus ranks have Warren as the TE4 in dynasty ranks and 58th overall player. For me, Warren is my TE6 and 75th player overall. At his current price tag, I would much rather turn Warren into a more proven tight end and a future 2nd round pick.
Mason Taylor | New York Jets | Age 21
While Loveland and Warren are in their own tier, Mason Taylor is the headliner of the next grouping. Unlike Warren, I loved the landing spot for Taylor with the New York Jets. New York spent significant draft capital on Taylor taking him with the 42nd overall pick. Mason Taylor has reliable hands and is a chain-mover all while identifying the soft spots in defenses.
Currently, Taylor is going in the mid-2nd of rookie drafts. Isiah Pacheco for Mason Taylor would be a good trade for a team in need of a running back. In terms of wide receivers, I would look to trade away declining assets such as: Davante Adams or Deebo Samuel.
Terrance Ferguson | Los Angeles Rams | Age 22
Terrance Ferguson shined at the NFL Combine, recording a 4.63-second 40-yard dash which was the fastest among tight ends and a 39-inch vertical leap, the highest at his position. I am intrigued by the landing spot with the Los Angeles Rams and their offensive genius head coach Sean McVay. According to The Athletic‘s Jourdan Rodrigue, Los Angeles loved the Oregon tight end so much that they reportedly considered taking him with the No. 26 pick in the 1st Round before deciding to trade back to No. 46.
Ferguson has the potential to be an offensive weapon in McVay’s offense. He is a solid late-2nd round pick in dynasty rookie drafts. Cade Otton is a potential trade away target in your negotiations to obtain Ferguson.
Elijah Arroyo | Seattle Seahawks | Age 22
Elijah Arroyo has all the physical tools to dominate in the NFL. Garret Price’s analysis of Arroyo is perfect. “Arroyo moves really well for his size and looks natural as a pass catcher. He’s not just a big body—he actually flashes decent route-running chops and soft hands that make him a legitimate red zone option. Unfortunately, his career has been hampered by injuries. “
Arroyo received good draft capital and landing in Seattle helped his dynasty value. I have Arroyo as an early-3rd round rookie pick and would not hesitate to take a flier on him given his potential upside. In terms of players, Darnell Mooney and Jaylen Warren are potential pieces to trade away for Arroyo.
