Smokescreen season is in full effect.
NFL executives know what they’re doing: Any crumb of information is as good as a feast this time of year, with the draft cycle both wide open and coming to a close in just a few days’ time.
So far, there have been a number of trades that have shaken up the top 10 of the 2021 NFL Draft, with a number of teams rumored to move up into the top 10 in the coming days — or perhaps on draft night — that could further change the landscape of this year’s draft.
Clear your lungs and your eyes, the smokescreens are almost gone and the 2021 NFL Draft is almost here.
Here are the latest rumors ahead of the first round on April 29:
MORE NFL DRAFT: Complete 7-round mock | Top 100 big board
2021 NFL Draft rumors
49ers split with decision at QB
Date: April 25
Source: Todd McShay, ESPN
According to ESPN’s NFL draft analyst Todd McShay, the 49ers are currently at odds on which QB to take at No. 3 overall. McShay says that head coach Kyle Shanahan prefers Mac Jones, while the team’s personnel department prefers North Dakota State passer Trey Lance.
Patriots among many looking to trade into top 10
Date: April 26
Source: Tom Pelissero, NFL Network
Both the Lions and Panthers are fielding calls for the No. 7 and 8 picks, respectively, and the Eagles and Patriots are among the teams who could be interested in moving into the top 10.
Patriots keeping an eye on Florida Gator
Date: April 25
Source: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network
The Patriots are still looking for a future franchise passer, and NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah reports that the Patriots could look to select Florida product Kyle Trask, as they’ve been doing “homework” on the QB.
49ers are focused on two options at pick No. 3
Date: April 25
Source: Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
As the #49ers close in on their decision of which QB to take at No. 3, sources say they are down to two prospects — and the belief is those two are #Bama QB Mac Jones and #NDSU QB Trey Lance. Several sources say the focus does appear to have shifted to those two.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 26, 2021
We know it’s going to be a quarterback for San Francisco, but which? The 49ers are reportedly zeroing in on one of two: Either Alabama’s Mac Jones or North Dakota State’s Trey Lance.
Panthers could still take a QB at No. 8
Date: April 25
Source: Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
Even after trading for quarterback Sam Darnold, the Panthers could still look to draft quarterback Justin Fields with the No. 8 overall. To add intrigue, the Panthers have yet to pick up Darnold’s fifth-year option, likely waiting to see how the draft shakes out before making that decision.
Zach Wilson fully expecting to be Jets QB
Date: April 23
Source: Aditi Kinkhabwala, NFL Network
The Jets will definitely take a QB at No. 2, and it looks like BYU quarterback Zach Wilson knows it will be him. Per Kinkhabwala, Wilson has spoken with Chad Pennington, Josh McCown and Mark Sanchez to prep for a role in New York.
Dolphins could trade No. 6 pick
Date: April 19
Source: Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
The #Dolphins have already made two moves in the NFL Draft and they may not be done yet: Sources say they’ve received calls from teams looking to trade up to No. 6 and it is something they’re considering. Lot of things in play, but Miami could be at it again.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 19, 2021
Could the Dolphins make a third trade in the first round? According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, it could be in the cards, with the Dolphins potentially trading back once again, after trading back from No. 3 to No. 12, and back from 12 to No. 6.