Every year as we near the draft, people claim players are “locks” to go in the top ten, and every year one of those guys falls to the bottom of the first round. Other players are drafted surprisingly higher than everyone expected. The fact is, it’s nearly impossible to predict how the first round of the draft will fall.
That’s why instead of a traditional mock draft, this next series of articles won’t try to predict exactly what will happen in the first round. Instead we’ll project a handful of possibilities to each pick, in order to give you a solid idea of what to expect Thursday night.
1. Indianapolis Colts
Possibilities: QB Andrew Luck
The media has tried to create some sort of suspense, but in reality there hasn’t been much of a question as to who will be the number one overall pick in the draft. Owner Jim Irsay has had his eye on quarterback Andrew Luck from the start, and he’ll be the new face of Irsay’s franchise starting Thursday night. Luck clearly will have enormous shoes to fill, but there hasn’t been a rookie quarterback suited to do so in quite some time.
2. Washington Redskins
Possibilities: QB Robert Griffin III
Ignore the rumors regarding RGIII’s supposed “selfish streak”. In reality, most all great players will carry at least a little selfishness for their team to deal with. And regardless, Washington didn’t trade up to draft anyone but Griffin, selfish or not. The only drama in these first two picks will be the inevitable comparisons Luck and Griffin will face throughout their careers.
3. Minnesota Vikings
Possibilities: OT Matt Kallil, CB Morris Claiborne
Barring a chance to trade down, Minnesota will be choosing between two players here with the third overall pick. Offensive Matt Kalil fills a huge need in protecting quarterback Christian Ponder, but he’s undersized and that goes completely opposite of their offensive line’s scheme. A better option may be Morris Claiborne, who would instantly provide a major upgrade to a poor secondary.
4. Cleveland Browns
Possibilities: RB Trent Richardson, QB Ryan Tannehill, WR Justin Blackmon
Justin Blackmon had been penciled in here for the majority of the offseason, but he’s slid down boards over the last several weeks. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill hasn’t had the same fate; rather he’s seen a dramatic rise in his draft stock. Many now feel the Browns will take Tannehill to replace Colt McCoy. The most likely pick here is running back Trent Richardson, however. As one of the few truly elite players in this draft, he’ll be able to immediately aid Cleveland’s offense.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Possibilities: RB Trent Richardson, OT Matt Kalil, CB Morris Claiborne
Tampa Bay has numerous needs, and who they draft will largely depend on who falls to them. Trent Richardson would provide the Buccaneers with a consistent running back, allowing LeGarrette Blount to flourish in a secondary role. Morris Claiborne would give Tampa Bay the freedom to move Ronde Barber to safety without losing anything on the outside. Matt Kalil would give Josh Freeman some elite protection on his blindside.
6. St. Louis Rams
Possibilities: DT Fletcher Cox, WR Justin Blackmon, RB Trent Richardson
Historically, Jeff Fisher hasn’t been keen on drafting a wide receiver this early in a draft. However he needs to get quarterback Sam Bradford some weapons, and Blackmon would be tempting. If Richardson were to fall to the sixth pick, the Rams would be delighted. Fisher’s most successful years as a head coach came with a dominating defensive tackle, which is why St. Louis will strongly consider making the first big surprise move of the draft by taking Fletcher Cox.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Possibilities: WR Justin Blackmon, WR Michael Floyd, CB Stephon Gilmore
The Jaguars have plenty of needs on either side of the ball, but there may be no need bigger than at wide receiver. As poor as Blaine Gabbert was in his rookie year, you do have to grant him the fact that he had absolutely no talent to throw to. Jacksonville should look to fix that early in the draft, whether it be with a falling Justin Blackmon or instead taking Michael Floyd. There is also the chance that they’ll select the draft’s second best corner, Stephon Gilmore.
8. Miami Dolphins
Possibilities: QB Ryan Tannehill, WR Michael Floyd, DE Quinton Coples
While there has been plenty of talk hyping up a team trading up to draft Ryan Tannehill, here at number eight is where he’ll ultimately be drafted. Miami is a good fit here, as they have a capable veteran starter who can allow Tannehill to take the year he needs to develop. If he’s already been snatched up, the Dolphins will be looking at both wide receivers and pass rushers.
9. Carolina Panthers
Possibilities: DT Fletcher Cox, DT Michael Brockers, CB Stephon Gilmore
There’s no question Carolina’s top priority heading into the draft is to strengthen their defense. If Fletcher Cox is still on the board he’d be a no brainer, but it’s more likely that the best defensive tackle available would be Michael Brockers. Carolina could also look to boost their pass defense with Stephon Gilmore
10. Buffalo Bills
Possibilites: WR Michael Floyd, OT Riley Reiff, OT Cordy Glenn
After a prolific free agency period on the defensive side of the ball, Buffalo will focus on its offense during the draft. The decision they’ll likely have to make in the first round is whether or not they value adding a tackle or wide receiver more. If they go with tackle, they’ll probably have their choice of Riley Reiff or Cordy Glenn. Wide receiver Michael Floyd will be awfully tempting here however, as he looks to be a near perfect fit in the Bills’ offense.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
