Every now and again I have to remind myself that my NFL Draft obsession is not shared by everyone. I typically associate myself with others who share my interest, similar to the way heroin addicts tend to run with one another. When it comes to the draft, I’m dope sick, and I have a support system of other dope sick draft lovers.
But the reality is that many people, including football fans, don’t care about the labor pains of the NFL Draft. They just want to see the baby after the draft comes to an end. They are only interested in knowing who their team drafted and how they may help the team moving forward. I do not understand these people, but I know they exists. It is for this reason that I have written this article.
What follows is a basic overview of this upcoming draft. You can now skip doing the months and months of reading and film work that the draft typically demands. Right here, you will find what you need to know for next week.
Carson Wentz
The no doubt, easiest call of the entire draft...
The LA Rams are drafting a quarterback. After making the mega deal with the Tennessee Titans to trade up from the 15th pick to the first overall pick, the Rams will have their choice between North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz and Cal’s Jared Goff as their quarterback of the future. Realize that of the 32 teams in the NFL, 21 start quarterbacks who were drafted in the 1st round of the NFL Draft. Basically if you don't have a highly drafted starter, you better get yourself one.
Jared Goff
Where the draft can get wild!
The Cleveland Browns pick 2nd overall, and they have all but put a “for sale” sign in front of their draft war room. The Browns like the quarterbacks at the top of this draft, but have not fallen in love with either one with the 2nd overall pick. For those teams looking to land either Wentz or Goff, the easiest way to do it will be with the Browns pick. But buyer beware, it will be costly. The Browns are in need of multiple picks in order to strengthen their overall roster.
Those teams that will move if you make it a little sexy to do so:
The San Diego Chargers and Dallas Cowboys pick 3rd and 4th in this draft respectfully. Both of them have franchise quarterbacks, and both would be willing to move if the right deal comes along. If the Browns fail to land a suitable deal and pass on a quarterback, the Chargers and Cowboys become the next two teams who will gladly deal you their pick for a bundle of selections. A future first round selection from a team along with a 2nd or 3rd round pick in this draft would have the Chargers and Cowboys quickly looking to deal down.
Team who needs to move up:
The San Francisco 49ers need a quarterback. I am among those that believe that current 49ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, will be traded on Day 3 of this draft once the 49ers have landed another young starter. In the mean time, the 49ers have the most picks in this draft with a total of 12. 12 picks makes it considerably easier to trade up in the draft and land either Goff or Wentz. This is where they have a significant advantage over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles lack a 2nd round pick this year, which makes it much more difficult to move up for a quarterback.
The top of this draft goes to 18.
Just because a player is picked in the first round of the NFL Draft, doesn’t mean the player is a first round quality player. Players selected in the 20’s of the first round tend to have draft grades that make them of 2nd round quality. This year there are 17 to 18 players who carry a first round grade. Those teams selecting around 20 will look to trade down as they can get the same quality player at 30 as they could get at 20.
The luckiest guy in the room:
Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch had all the characteristics of a mid-first round pick. He’s a good prospect but is in need of more development than the other quarterbacks at the top of this draft. But with the Rams moving to 1st overall, the possibility now exists that two quarterbacks will now be drafted with the top two picks. That makes Lynch the next best option for QB needy teams. Lynch can realistically move into the top 10 of this draft. Honorable mention: Connor Cook, who now looks to be a possible first round pick.
