Most years, there are at least a few trades towards the back end of the first round for great reason. With a first-round pick, a team can gain an extra year of team control. All first-round picks sign a four-year deal with a team option for the fifth season, something a team can't get after round one.
The Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles own the last three picks in the first round and they have already been receiving calls to trade back.
Teams already eyeing move into back of first round: Vikings have received calls today from six teams interested in potentially trading into back half of first round and No. 30 pick, per source. Calls coming for New England at 31 and Philadelphia at 32, too.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 26, 2018
Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman has always been the type that likes to pick up extra picks in the draft, so it's no surprise that teams are calling him specifically.
“You can’t predict what trades are going to happen in front of you, you can’t predict what players are going to be available for you,” Speilman said in his pre-draft press conference. “I’ve always had the philosophy of getting as many of those picks but not passing up on good football players just to get those pick, you don’t do it just to do it.”
The Patriots also have two first-round picks this year, so it wouldn't be a surprise if they decided to trade their second pick, although they could surprise and trade up in the first round.
Although it's not guaranteed that there will be a trade at the end of the first round, it sure seems like it's probably a real possibility. If there is a late trade, it will probably cap a night full of excitement and filled with teams moving around.
The first round of the 2018 NFL Draft officially kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday night.
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