“The Chiefs have really been working to see if they can get up from 32,” Palmer said. “The thought around the league is it’s would be for one of the speedy wide receivers.” It’s the second report today that the Chiefs would like to move up amidst their receiver uncertainty as they await word on Rashee Rice’s suspension. A “speedy” wideout was also a dire need even before Rice’s legal woes. Texas burner Xavier Worthy would fit the bill better than anyone, but the Chiefs would maybe have to move up too far to get him.

In other words, they are doing everything they can to find a way to draft UNC QB Drake Maye. The Vikes’ accumulation of extra first-round capital was a transparent play to move up, though it was probably always going to come down to draft night and the right offer either materializing or trade-up competition fading away once the true price was known. Thankfully, we only have to wait a few more hours to find out.

Sitting at No. 17, the Jags have a bigger need at wide receiver than tight end, but perhaps they view Georgia TE Brock Bowers as an “offensive weapon” as opposed to pure tight end. Washington WR Rome Odunze would also make a ton of sense in the latter half of the top 10. Although the Jags have depth at wideout, it is a need after Calvin Ridley departed in free agency.

“The 49ers have had conversations with teams, including with one picking in the top 10, about trading either of their prized wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel in an effort to move up in the first round, per sources,” was Russini’s exact report. Now we’re talking. There has been loose — emphasis on loose — chatter about this possibility this week because it makes a little too much sense for a team that is not going to be able to pay both wideouts long term. Like their archrival Los Angeles (Rams), the Niners also have an addiction to splashy trades. This is a major storyline to follow Thursday evening.

Locked into Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall with Carolina’s pick, the Bears are evidently more ambivalent about their own selection at No. 9. Of course, it is bigger news when a team isn’t “very open for business,” but the Bears could be of the mind to trade down, accumulate picks, and surround Williams with as much talent as possible during his rookie contract.

Jones’ report comes amidst chatter the Rams are looking to vault from No. 19 to the top 10. It has been genuinely uncertain if Bowers will crack the top 10, with the Jets looking like an option at 10 and the Broncos the potential fail safe at No. 12. A unique player who did not test, Bowers is the kind of prospect who lends himself to teams either outsmarting themselves or overthinking his résumé.

“But at this moment KC doesn’t exactly know the number of games,” Palmer added. This has been the expectation all along since Rice surrendered to Texas police, but there seems to be a wide range of potential outcomes as to the number of games. Receiver was a Chiefs need even before Rice’s legal woes, and it would be unsurprising to see KC select a wideout at No. 32 in Thursday evening’s first night of the draft.

Armed with a first-round pick for the first time since 2016, the Rams apparently don’t know what to do with themselves. They are currently sitting at No. 19 overall. Moving up a minimum of nine spots would take a lot of ammunition for a team with an aging quarterback, one that just lost Aaron Donald to retirement. We can’t say we would advise it, especially were it for a pass catcher. Alas, Sean McVay has long been addicted for bold moves for star receivers, with extremely mixed success.

Schultz also notes that the “prevailing belief is [a trade] is a long shot to happen.” While he acknowledged the Patriots are listening to all calls from teams hoping to move up, it’s also been reported that Patriots ownership hopes to secure a quarterback in the first round as they look to usher in a new era under head coach Jerod Mayo. The Giants are one of a handful of teams in need of a quarterback upgrade who are stuck picking outside of the top five. Teams like the Vikings, Broncos, and Raiders could also be in a position for a trade-up to acquire a franchise quarterback, which could net a significant pick haul for the Patriots.

When asked where he will end up, McCarthy said he had “somewhat of an idea. New York Giants, I’ve spent the most time with.” Earlier rumors from The Athletic’s Jeff Howe indicated the Giants and Vikings will be in a race for McCarthy. Joe Schoen, Brian Daboll, and company have been doing their due diligence on quarterbacks, holding the No. 6 pick in the NFL Draft. They currently have Daniel Jones at quarterback, signed through 2026. With injuries through an underwhelming season for Jones, McCarthy would signal a fresh start for the franchise. As the top-two picks shake out, the Giants could trade with the Patriots for No. 3 to pick McCarthy or sit back at No. 6 with the trust the Pats don’t select him or teams like the Vikings or Broncos don’t move up instead.