NFL draft picks are volatile commodities because the value of any given selection is loaded with variables.
In theory, the best scouting department can identify an impactful player. On the other hand, draft picks can be used as compensation to trade for a player or even a coach—or, in the case of the Denver Broncos, both.
Denver's notable deal for Sean Payton followed a 2022 offseason trade for quarterback Russell Wilson. As a result, the Broncos no longer have a first- or second-round pick in 2023.
But they're certainly not alone.
Among a few others, the NFC runner-up San Francisco 49ers and two more playoff teams—the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings—currently have minimal draft capital for 2023.
Baltimore Ravens
Around the 2022 trade deadline, the Baltimore Ravens used a couple of picks to upgrade their defense. They snagged Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears in exchange for second- and fifth-round selections, later signing the linebacker to a record-breaking extension.
Baltimore's other two moves happened in August 2021.
After adding a fifth-rounder from the New England Patriots for rookie cornerback Shaun Wade, the Ravens shipped a seventh-round choice to the New York Giants as part of the Ben Bredeson trade.
The result is Baltimore nears the 2023 draft with the No. 22 overall pick and one slot apiece in the third through sixth rounds.
Given the roster's vast number of needs—and that's even beyond resolving quarterback Lamar Jackson's contract situation—the Ravens are a prime trade-down candidate.
Cleveland Browns
Similar to their AFC North nemesis, the Cleveland Browns packaged draft picks for a player they signed to a record-breaking deal.
Because the Browns traded for a quarterback, however, the price was significantly more expensive. Cleveland sent six selections to the Houston Texans—highlighted by first-round choices in 2022, 2023 and 2024—for Deshaun Watson. This year specifically, the Texans also hold the Browns' original third-round pick.
Subsequently, the team's Day 1 and 2 picks are limited to a second-rounder (No. 42) and a third-round compensatory slot (No. 98) for the Minnesota Vikings hiring Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as general manager.
The Browns have flexibility with an extra selection in the fourth and fifth rounds, but they are thin on marquee picks.
