I started this thread trying to appreciate if it was a good idea to bundle a bunch of draft picks in order to trade up for a QB (who hopefully becomes the franchise QB).
Here's a recent scenario involving the Cards that can further the debate:
On July 29, 2011: Cards traded for Kevin Kolb of the Eagles 2012 by sending a 2nd round pick (51st overall subsequently traded, Jerel Worthy) and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Other QBs on the Cards 2011 roster included Skelton and Bartel.
Now, imagine if instead of trading that #2 and DRC at the end of the July, the Cards went into the 2011 draft that spring looking to trade up for a QB. For the sake of argument, assume that it would cost them their next 3 #1 picks to move up to take the ‘hot-prospect’ #1 QB in that draft: Cam Newton.
(You are welcome to do other draft value estimates, I just pulled the 3 out of a hat. Also have to assume that the subsequent picks in 2012 and 2013 were the same draft slots)
In the hypothetical trade scenario, getting Cam Newton would have cost the Cards:
Cards would have surrendered their 2011 #1 (at pick 5): Patrick Peterson
Cards would have surrendered their 2012 #1 (at pick 13): Michael Floyd
Cards would have surrendered their 2013 #1 (at pick 7): Jonathan Cooper
So, would you rather have Cam Netwton + assets not traded in the Kevin Kolb deal = DRC and Jerel Worthy (career backup DT:
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WortJe00.htm)
OR
PP, Floyd, Cooper (later flipped for Chandler Jones) so, make it PP, Floyd, Chandler Jones
Cam + DRC + Worthy OR PP + Floyd+ Chandler Jones