Colts could have trade down partner in Bills during 2021 draft
With just two days until the start of the 2021 NFL draft, the Indianapolis Colts are likely looking to move down from the No. 21 overall pick in the first round. They may have partner to work with in the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills were among the teams listed as potential trade down partners in our list highlighting potential packages and now ESPN’s Todd McShay reported that Buffalo is looking to move up for running back Travis Etienne.
It seems the Colts could already be in talks of moving down, though McShay didn’t name them specifically.
“The last bit of buzz for you, Travis Etienne is the hottest running back in this class right now in terms of where his draft stock is going to be. I’m told that Buffalo at 30 is talking to teams ahead of the Jets at 23 and Jacksonville at 25 and going ahead of Pittsburgh as well trying to get in position to get Etienne,” McShay said on the Ryen Russilo podcast via Bills Wire. “They think that he’s the best back. They want to pair him up obviously with Josh Allen and create that backfield.”
This is a deal that could easily get done on draft night. It likely won’t happen before unless the Colts are 100% certain in the deal but trade package would be easy to find between these two teams.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Colts moved back from No. 21 for Nos. 30 and 93. Though the draft trade value chart would show a loss (261 vs. 238), the Colts might be able to negotiate a future third-round pick or get the Bills’ two fifth-round picks this year to make up the difference.
Looking at the history of trading the No. 21 pick, getting a first and a third would be in line with what other teams have received.
After the Colts gave up a third-rounder in the deal for quarterback Carson Wentz, it seems Chris Ballard is all but guaranteed to move back at some point.
With the Bills reportedly looking to move up for the electric Etienne, it wouldn’t be a surprise if these two teams got a deal done.
