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 help build foundational assets and future trade chips.
Quarterbacks | Rookie Trade Advice
Cam Ward | Tennessee Titans | Age 22
Cam Ward was my QB1 during the pre-draft process and has solidified that post-draft. Ward is the main quarterback to target in this year’s class. Currently in my dynasty ranks, I have Ward as my QB17 behind Trevor Lawrence.
Regarding Ward’s trade value, I would attempt to trade Jared Goff for Cam Ward straight across. Goff comes with some uncertainty with the departure of Ben Johnson. You would also be getting younger at the position. If the Ward manager was looking for a wide receiver, players such as Tee Higgins, Jaylen Waddle, and Devonta Smith would be good trade options.
Jaxson Dart | New York Giants | Age 21
Jaxson Dart is a talented quarterback with a strong arm and natural athleticism, but he will likely need some time to adjust in the NFL. Hopefully, he will get that opportunity with the New York Giants as he will join a crowded quarterback room with Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston.
When evaluating Dart as a trade target, I would look at his value similar to J.J. McCarthy’s value last year after the news broke that he would miss the season with a knee injury. Currently, Dart is going at the end of the 1st or early-2nd round in rookie drafts. Regarding quarterbacks, I would see if I could move Sam Darnold or Geno Smith + a future 2nd if I were a rebuilding-style team. Regarding players around Dart’s range, I would have no issues trading Jordan Addison, Jayden Reed, and George Pickens for Dart, knowing he will likely not contribute to your team this year.
Shedeur Sanders | Cleveland Browns | Age 23
Shedeur Sanders falling to the 5th Round of the NFL Draft was clearly a shock. Now that the dust has settled, Sanders joins an extremely crowded quarterback room in Cleveland. Currently, the Browns have 5 quarterbacks on their roster with Deshaun Watson, Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, and Dillon Gabriel all competing against Sanders.
Shedeur Sanders is tricky to evaluate regarding his trade value. Currently, Sanders is going in drafts as a mid-to-late 3rd round rookie selection. However, the price to obtain him will not match that value. Sanders’ lack of rushing upside and draft capital makes him someone that I would look to trade away, as the risk does not outweigh the reward. If I were a Sanders manager, I would use any positive training camp news on him as an attempt to flip him for more proven assets.
Jalen Milroe | Seattle Seahawks | Age 22
While Jalen Milroe’s fall to the 3rd Round of the NFL Draft is not ideal, his landing spot actually turns out to be a favorable one. Unlike Sanders, I am optimistic on Milroe’s fantasy value given the immense upside due to his rushing ability. Milroe possesses all the traits needed for a dominant fantasy quarterback.
Currently, Milroe is being drafted in the late-2nd to early-3rd round of rookie drafts. When trying to acquire Milroe, you must know he is a project and will not start immediately with Sam Darnold leading the way. In terms of trading for Milroe, I would start negotiations off with Courtland Sutton, Calvin Ridley, or another player in that type of range. This is a gamble that I am willing to risk—if Milroe hits, he has the potential for elite fantasy value.
Tyler Shough | New Orleans Saints | Age 25
One of the biggest risers in the NFL Draft was Tyler Shough. During the pre-draft process, I was not a Shough fan. However, I can’t ignore his draft capital being selected in the 2nd Round by the New Orleans Saints. With Derek Carr’s season in question and Spencer Rattler’s shaky rookie season, Shough could be the Saints’ signal caller sooner rather than later.
Shough’s current draft range is in the early 3rd round. Use this draft capital to flip Shough for a future 2nd. Shough will be a 26-year-old rookie at the start of the NFL season. At his age, I don’t see Shough being able to develop his game further, which will limit his fantasy upside.
Get More Rookie Trade Advice!
Rookie running backs trade advice is on its way. Check back soon for the top RBs to target and which ones you should look to trade away. In the meantime, browse our Rookie Draft App and find out all the best targets for each round of your rookie drafts this offseason.
