Which NFL Draft Featured the Most Number of Trades?

The first day of NFL Draft 2024 starts on April 25. The three-day affair is one of the most anticipated events before the regular season starts and there are a couple of reasons behind it. Firstly, this class of prospects is among one of the very talented individuals, the quality of quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends, and defensive players would be unmatched. Secondly, teams like the Chicago Bears, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Washington Commanders among a few have a chance to completely overhaul their roster.

Last year, the Houston Texans made the news by trading the greatest number of players, in addition to getting CJ Stroud, who proved to be pivotal in the success of the Houston team. We might expect the same this year. So, what was so special about the 2023 NFL Draft?

How the 2023 NFL Draft created history

The Houston Texans made history last year by trading a record number of players in the 2023 draft. The affair recorded 43 trades last year, breaking 2019’s record of 40 swaps. Also, one of the most notable splashes of last year’s trade came from the Carolina Panthers, who sent two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and the WR DJ Moore to the Bears to obtain the first pick of 2023.

But thanks to those transactions, the Bears can now rebuild themselves and most positively sign the generational talent that is Caleb Williams. The Texans had to give away their first-round No. 12 pick and No. 33 to the Cardinals to obtain CJ Stroud and the LB Will Anderson Jr.

Also, last year, the Cardinal received picks No. 41 and 72 from the Titans, and a third-round pick in the 2024 draft to move to the No. 33 spot, leveraging which, the Titans got Will Levis as their new QB. According to an ESPN report, the Cardinals obtained 11 potential picks in this year’s draft. Looking at these stats and the way the Houston Texans played their draft cards, it is salient to understand how things will unfold for them this year.

Where do the Texans stand now?

The most prominent trade the Houston team made this year was acquiring Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills. The trade was controversial to some degree, but it bolstered the Texans’ offense tenfold. As a result, the team doesn’t have a first-round pick this year. However, they have a second-round 42 pick that they acquired from the Vikings, along with pick No. 59.

They also have a 3 round 86 pick that they got from the Eagles, the 4 round No. 123 pick they got from the Browns, and a 126 pick. The team doesn’t have a 5-round pick, but in the 6 round, they have a bargaining chip with pick No. 188 via Vikings and No. 189 from Buffalo.

Will this year’s draft break previous trade records? What do you think?

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