I always equated the expression "selling like hot cakes" to top quarterbacks in the NFL draft. See, the NFL is a QB-driven league. The only problem is that there aren't enough high-quality quarterbacks to go around. So anytime there are a couple highly-touted QB prospects in the NFL draft, there's a mad dash to scoop them up.
As we saw with the Washington Redskins in 2012, teams can be pretty desperate to trade up in the draft for a shiny new signal-caller. While dark horses such as the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans could surprise folks come draft day, here are the four most likely teams to try and move up for a QB.
New York Jets (No. 6)
According to ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay, the Jets might not even need to trade up for a quarterback. He believes Oregon's Marcus Mariota will be sitting there when New York is on the clock with the sixth pick. But others aren't so sure.
"Washington owned the sixth pick in the 2012 draft when it moved up to No. 2 to select Robert Griffin III, sending along three first-round picks as the foundation of the trade package," ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates wrote. "The price would be steep for the Jets, but for a team desperate for quarterback stability, it's something they should consider."
Desperate doesn't even begin to describe the Jets when it comes to their need for competent quarterback play. After six years of Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith, crazed and delusional seems more fitting.
Chicago Bears (No. 7)
Reason No. 1 the Bears would be willing to trade up for a QB is that Jay Cutler does not belong to new general manager Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox-- he isn't "their guy." At the same time, however, Chicago inked Cutler to a $126 million extension last year and probably wouldn't be happy with that type of money sitting on the bench. Still, winning takes precedence over everything.
"If the Bears believe Cutler is not the long-term solution at the position (and possibly seek a trade for him or an outright release at some point this offseason or next), quarterback becomes their highest priority," Yates wrote. "...If the Bears believe either quarterback prospect could vault it back into the NFC North equation as soon as next year, they could trade up..."
The Bears boast an impressive array of skill position players in Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte. That group would make any QB's transition to the pro-level easier.
St. Louis Rams (No. 10)
The Rams are a competent quarterback away from contention. They have a fear-inducing front seven, a budding offensive line and some interesting pieces at wide receiver and running back. At this point, it's doubtful that St. Louis believes Sam Bradford will ever be their long-term answer at the QB spot, which makes trading up an attractive option.
"...the Rams are in perhaps better shape than any other team in the NFL to make a significant move up the draft board," Yates wrote. "St. Louis is loaded with young talent...but quarterback is a glaring need. The Rams have a stable of young backs and receivers, plus one of the league's most aggressive and feared defenses."
It wouldn't be a shock to the system to see Mariota utilizing his athleticism to cut up the rest of the NFC West should St. Louis start feeling frisky in the draft.
Philadelphia Eagles (No. 20)
The Eagles will have the most difficult time trading up the draft board, but where there's a will, there's a way. Everyone knows head coach Chip Kelly is anxious to reunite with his former Ducks star Mariota. Can he pull off such a move?
"It would cost a fortune, and the Eagles have other needs besides quarterback (they need to address the cornerback position, for example), but the thought of Kelly and Mariota paired up once again is tantalizing," Yates wrote. "Kelly's system has been effective already at the pro level, but it's fair to say he has not had a quarterback that profiles as an ideal fit for it yet.
"Mariota, with his unique combination of throwing skills inside and out of the pocket, athleticism, ability to innovate in open space and knowledge of how Kelly's system works, would be a strong fit in Philadelphia."
First, Philly needs to figure out what they are going to do with running back LeSean McCoy and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin. Once they get that under control, then they can turn their attention to one of the boldest draft moves in NFL history.
