The 2023 NFL Draft could get interesting in a hurry Thursday night.
Since they’re not looking for a quarterback, the Arizona Cardinals may trade down from the No. 3 slot. Speculation of them moving DeAndre Hopkins has also percolated all offseason.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, they may want to move both in the same deal. Florio reported that they’re attempting to trade Hopkins and pick No. 3 to the Tennessee Titans for the No. 11 pick and additional, unspecified assets.
Onlookers aren’t convinced this wild rumor will become a reality.
“Egg on my face if it turns out to be correct, but this is moronic at every level,” Fantasy Footballers host Andy Halloway said.
egg on my face if it turns out to be correct, but this is moronic at every level.
— Andy Holloway (@andyholloway) April 27, 2023
“I understand it’s different regimes, and maybe they end up getting great value, but trading away AJ Brown just to trade for Hopkins a year later looks really bad,” a fan wrote.
I understand it’s different regimes, and maybe they end up getting great value, but trading away AJ Brown just to trade for Hopkins a year later looks really bad https://t.co/s4LCdwYqW6
— Ryan Wintle (@RyanWintle) April 27, 2023
“Better be a damn good plus more,” the Daily Wire’s Jake Crain stated.
Better be a damn good plus more https://t.co/k8ah8OLIir
— Jake Crain (@JakeCrain_) April 27, 2023
“Now this would be what we call a blockbuster,” 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Alex Barth declared.
Now this would be what we call a blockbuster https://t.co/yAlF39FrOm
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) April 27, 2023
Trading the No. 3 pick makes some sense, and moving Hopkins wouldn’t surprise anyone who’s heard the chatter all offseason. However, the Cardinals need to get much more with pick No. 11 to justify the move.
On the other end, the Titans seem like an odd fit for Hopkins. Perhaps that would change if using the upgraded draft choice to draft a new quarterback to feed the star wide receiver the ball on a reinvigorated contender.
Fans intrigued by the idea probably shouldn’t get too excited. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the Titans have had conversations about trading up, but not for Hopkins.