Personally, I believe a major upset occurred in the IFL this past Sunday (02/21).

Prior to the IFL Rookie Draft Reveal Show, a proposition was made from Tampa Bay to trade his unknown pick for the Carolina Panther’s unknown pick. The trade would have been interesting, as neither team knew where they would end up.  If the trade was completed, Luke would have the #16 & #17 picks and Nils would be at #11 and #22 picks. If I were a betting man in Vegas, I would have placed money on Nils (GM of the Panthers) to be involved in the first IFL trade. My guess is that he had offers on a few tables. However, things just didn’t materialize into a completed trade. So to me, Nils not conducting the first trade of the IFL is an upset to start this off-season.

Anyways, getting back to actual IFL transactions…within 24-hours of the completion of the draft pick reveal show and the activation to trade, the Tennessee Titans and Oakland Raiders finalized an agreement to move three draft picks. Oakland sent the 1.15 to Tennessee in return for the 2.15 and 3.15 picks.

I was able to receive a few answers from each franchise regarding the trade. Here is my discussion with Jason (GM of the Titans) and Damien (GM of the Raiders).

 

Who contacted whom first?

• Jason – “I began trade talks with Oakland in the hopes of getting a higher pick as I was not to impressed with my late picks that were earned when I got the 1.02 pick.”
• Damien – “There were a few trade options that were presented to me prior to the completion of this trade. I refused the first two trades presented to me by the Titans and countered with the one that was accepted.”

What were you looking for in conducting this trade?

• Damien – “I’m just winging it and hoping it all works out….joking.”

How will this trade shape your rookie draft strategy?

• Jason – “Again I am looking to have 3 or 4 picks hopefully in the top 20 if all goes well to help build a good young nucleus this season.”
• Damien – “Since my first round pick was second to last in that round, I figured I would trade it in order to gain an additional pick in the first three rounds.”

Does this trade support/assist your strategy for the auction in March?

• Damien – “I guess we will just have to see if my strategy pays off in the long run.”
• Jason – “My rookie draft strategy really won’t be set until I see my roster after the veteran auction…”

Are you still looking at trading rookie picks?  If so, what’s up for sale?

• Jason – “I really am open to doing anything so, will see my needs after the auction. I think the more high picks I can earn will support my overall plan and any pick I have is up for sale. I am open to all offers at any time!”

 Comments from the Peanut Gallery

I reached out to Brad and Nils to receive their thoughts. Brad had the following to say:

“These two teams wasted no time getting a deal done, and despite some early sentiment from the league that Jason of Tennessee got the better of the rookie in Oakland, I feel like this trade makes some sense for both sides.

Oakland gave up its late first and acquired two cheaper picks in the back end of rounds 2 & 3.  I think that given Jason’s past experience with this format, he feels pretty confident that he will be able to land a top talent with the 15th pick.  Meanwhile, back in Oakland, moving back may have been the right move for our rookie, Damien.  Moving back in the draft allows Damien to draft two players on the cheap, and given the uncertainty surrounding NFL rookies, it never hurts to double your odds.”

I also caught up with Nils to ask him a few questions about this trade.

Do you consider it an upset that you didn’t conduct the first trade in the IFL?

• Nils – “No, not at all. I did have some offers out, but I am happy with my draft position. I will definitely be making some moves, but will probably be waiting until the draft comes closer.”

Are you glad that you didn’t make that trade with Luke prior to the draft pick reveal show?

• Nils – “Yes, absolutely. The positions I wanted went 16, 1, 2, 3, 4, 15, I was amazed to actually get 16. I consider myself an excellent rookie drafter, and having 5 of the top 65 rookie picks in a startup I honestly feel I will have 5 starting caliber players by the end of the year.”

What are your thoughts on TEN/OAK and their trade?

• Nils – “I think it was terrible on Oakland’s part. You dropped down an entire round to pick up a late 3rd. I wouldn’t have done this for anything less than a mid 2nd and an early 3rd plus a 5th, you just don’t give away 1st rounder’s that cheaply without shopping around.”

What are your thoughts on TEN and Jason completing two trades already?

• Nils – “Jason is feasting on rookies it seems, his second trade was far better than his first. Getting an early 2nd for a 4,5, 6 and 7 is highway robbery. Peru made a huge mistake here. The NFC side isn’t that gullible, I tried.”

Do you believe, at the end of the season, that you’ll be leading the IFL in completed trades?

• Nils – “Yes, no doubt!”

 

As for my thoughts – I believe the Oakland-Tennessee trade works for both parties.  Tennessee was able to gain another pick at the end of the first round, which could be used to go after a LB/DE or second tier RB/WR.  Or does Jason surprise us all and snag a QB?  The Raiders received a few more opportunities to select rookies who could contribute.  Only time will tell when we look back at this trade to see who won it.

There we have it IFL.  The first trade is in the books and six other trades have been completed since then!   I wish you all luck in your trade negotiations as we are quickly approaching our first auction!