NFL Draft 2020: 5 Veterans who could be traded on draft day
1. Yannick Ngakoue
Yannick Ngakoue’s situation is very similar to Trent Williams’ ordeal. The Jacksonville Jaguars‘ young defensive end no longer wants to be on the team, yet he’s currently stuck in Jacksonville since he was hit with the franchise tag. Ngakoue has made it abundantly clear on social media that he no longer wishes to be part of the organization and will not play another down as a Jaguar.
This puts Jacksonville in a tough situation. They currently have little leverage in trade negotiations, as Ngakoue’s refusal to play for the team will make it difficult for them to feign that they are fine with keeping him. While teams are likely low-balling the Jaguars right now for Ngakoue, someone should end up sending them a decent offer by the time draft day rolls around.
Ngakoue will likely demand a long-term deal as part of any trade, and his play certainly warrants a hefty extension. The former 2016 third-round pick has accumulated eight or more sacks and 14 or more quarterback hits in each of his four NFL seasons. He’s only missed one game in his entire career and would be a cornerstone defensive end for another team. Given the scarcity of game-changing pass rushers, he should have no shortage of suitors.
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While Ngakoue is worth a first-round pick like DeForest Buckner garnered this year and Frank Clark garnered last year, I don’t believe the Jaguars will net such a return. As the draft gets closer and picks start being made, there is less and less of a likelihood Jacksonville will get a first-rounder. Ultimately, I believe he gets dealt for a high second-round pick and two additional mid-rounders. Nonetheless, his time in Jacksonville is coming to a close.
Projected draft compensation: 2020 second-round pick, 2020 fourth-round pick and 2021 fourth-round pick