Tonight sees the start of the NFL draft which will take place over three days in Philadelphia. Over seven rounds 253 players will be drafted in total. The Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams are the only teams not to have a first round pick. The Rams traded theirs last year to get Jarred Goff and the Vikings traded their pick this season to get Sam Bradford from the Eagles. The Pat’s traded their pick to the Saints for wide receiver Brandin Cook. This year’s draft is loaded with defensive talent. For this preview I will look at each teams pick in the first round and who I think each team will pick.
NO.1 Cleveland Browns: The Browns are coming off a 1-15 season and need to upgrade at almost every position. Star linebacker Jamie Collins re-signed with the team and the Browns have been busy in free agency too. They strengthened their offensive line adding J.C Tretter and Kevin Zeitler. The Browns need to improve on defence and need to find a franchise quarterback. They have the number one pick and the best player in the draft is defensive end Myles Garrett out of Texas A&M. Garrett is a player the Browns could build their defence around.
Potential pick: DE Myles Garrett (Texas A&M)
NO.2 San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers have a new GM and a new head coach. Kapernick is out and the rumours of a possible trade for Kirk Cousins has materialised into nothing. It looks as if they are to get Cousins it will be next season. The 49ers signed quarterback Brain Hoyer in free agency along with WR Pierre Garcon and CB Malcom Smith. They also signed QB Matt Barkley. The 49ers like the Browns need to improve all over. They need a linebacker and to strengthen their offensive line and they could do with a backup QB. If they decide to use their pick on defence then LB Ruben Foster out of Alabama or Safety Malik Hooker from Ohio State or Stanford’s defensive end Solomon Thomas would be good choices. If they use it for offence they might pick a lineman like Western Kentucky’s Forrest Lamp or Wisconsin’s Ryan Ramczyk.
Potential Pick: DE Solomon Thomas (Stanford).
NO.3 Chicago Bears: The Bears are moving on from Jay Cutler. They signed QB Mike Glennon in free agency. The Bears need to improve on the both sides of the ball. They could still draft a QB to backup Mike Glennon but if they do there could go for Miami’s Brad Kaaya or Texas Techs Patrick Mahomes II might be available in the second round. I think Bears will want to strengthen their defence and could use a defensive tackle like Alabama’s Jonathan Allen or a CB like Ohio States Marshon Lattimore.
Potential pick: CB Marshon Lattimore (Ohio State).
NO.4 Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars were hoping last season would be their breakthrough year. But it wasn’t to be finishing the season 3-13. They have had a busy free agency signing DE Calais Cambell, CB A.J Bouye and S Barry Church. The Jaguars improved their defence with their free agent signings. In the draft they should look to strengthen their offensive line.
Potential pick: OT Ryan Ramczyk (Wisconsin)
NO.5 Tennessee Titians: the titans got this pick from the Ram’s in last year’s trade that saw the Rams take Jared Goff with number one overall pick. The Titians need to improve on defence and at wide receiver. Two possibilities for them with this pick are linebacker Ruben Foster from Alabama. I don’t see them using this pick on a wide receiver as there will be talent available in later rounds. The Titians also have the number 18 pick in the first round. They signed cornerback Logan Ryan in free agency so I think they take Jonathan Allen with this pick.
Potential pick: DT Jonathan Allen (Alabama)
NO.6 New York Jets: The Jets signed QB Josh McCown to a one year deal. With QB’s Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty still young I don’t think the jets will draft another QB. The jets need to improve at cornerback and after Brandon Marshall signed with the Giants they could use a replacement. They could use the pick on Safety Jamal Adams from LSU but I think they will go for his teammate at LSU running back Leonard Fournette.
Potential pick: RB Leonard Fournette (LSU)
NO.7 LA Chargers: The Chargers first season in Los Angeles will be this season so who will they take with their first pick? They could do with a backup QB for Rivers but what they need more is protection for Rivers. They did sign offensive tackle Russell Okung so they might try and strengthen their defence with this pick. I think they will and draft Ohio State safety Malik Hooker.
Potential pick: S Malik Hooker (Ohio State).
NO.8 Carolina Panthers: The Panthers need to strengthen their defensive line and signed defensive end Julius Peppers in free agency. Johnathan Stewart can be good but his history of injuries might entice the Panthers to draft a running back. I think they will draft RB Christian McCaffrey.
Potential pick: RB Christian McCaffrey (Stanford).
NO.9 Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals are coming off a disappointing season going 6-9-1. They need to strengthen their offensive line and could do with another wide receiver to give them another playmaker to go alongside A.J. Green. Here I think they will use the pick on defence though and go for Alabama’s Ruben Foster.
Potential Pick: LB Ruben Foster (Alabama).
NO.10 Buffalo Bills: The bills signed CB Mich Hyde in free agency and might look to improve at WR in the draft to pair with Sammy Watkins. The Bills could take a QB in the draft with E.J. Manuel moving on and signing with the Raiders but I think it will be in a later round. I Think they will draft Clemson WR Mike Williams.
Potential Pick: WR Mike Willimas (Clemson).
NO.11 New Orleans Saints: The saints have had a busy off season trading WR Brandin Cooks to the Patriots for the 32nd pick of the first round. They signed DT Nick Fairley, WR Ted Ginn, LB Manti Te’o and, CB Sterling Moore. The saints badly need to improve on defence and made some steps to improve in free agency. I think they use this pick to further improve their defence and take CB Marlon Humphrey.
Potential Pick: CB Marlon Humphrey (Alabama)
NO.12 Cleveland Browns: The Browns acquired this pick from the Eagles. After they draft Garrett with the number one pick I think they use this pick to upgrade their offence. I think they will go for Alabama’s tight end O.J. Howard.
Potential Pick: TE O.J. Howard (Alabama).
NO.13 Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals season didn’t go the way they wanted and Carson Palmer looked like he is on the down side of his career. They strengthened their defence in free agency signing safety Antoine Bethea. They could use a backup QB if Palmer declines further this season so they could take Mitch Turbisky. They need an inside linbacker and could do with another WR to take pressure off Larry Fitzgerald. I think they will use the pick on the first quarterback drafted and pick Mitchell Turbisky.
Potential Pick: QB Mitchell Turbisky (North Carolina)
NO.14 Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles traded Sam Bradford to the Vikings for this pick. They signed two wide receivers in free agency, Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. A big need for the Eagles is at corner back and I think that’s what they will use this pick for. I see them drafting Ohio State CB Gareon Conley.
Potential Pick: CB Gareon Conley (Ohio State).
NO.15 Indianapolis Colts: The Colts need to improve on defence and need to protect Andrew Luck. They signed LB John Simon and DE Jabaal Sheard in free agency. They need to protect Luck and upgrade their Offensive line. I see them taking an offensive lineman here and the best available at this stage is Cam Robinson.
Potential Pick: OL Cam Robinson (Alabama)
NO.16 Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens could use an edge rusher and a wide receiver. They could use this pick for either but I think they use the pick on a wide receiver.
Potential Pick: WR Corey Davis (Western Michigan)
NO.17 Washington Redskins: The Redskins need to improve their defence badly. They did sign S D.J. Swearinger and DT Terell McClain along with WR’s Terrelle Pryor and Brian Quick in free agency. They put the franchise tag on Kirk Cousins for the second year and could draft a QB this year if Cousins decides to leave at the end of the season. But in this round I see them drafting to improve the defence. So I think they pick S Jamal Adams.
Potential Pick: S Jamal Adams (LSU).
NO.18 Tennessee Titians: The Titians with their second pick in the first round should use this pick for offence. Mariotra could use a down field threat and John Ross out of Washington could be that threat.
Potential Pick: WR John Ross (Washington).
NO.19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs signed WR Desean Jackson and DE Chris Baker in free agency. They need to improve on defence and could use this pick to do so. But with the future of Doug Martin uncertain at the moment and questions if he can bounce back after his suspension and injury. The Bucs could then use this pick on a running back.
Potential Pick: RB Dalvin Cook (FSU)
NO.20 Denver Broncos: The Broncos need to find a quarterback but if they believe Paxton Lynch is there future franchise QB then they will need some protection for him. The Broncos need to strengthen their offensive line. I think they pick Guard Forrest Lamp.
Potential Pick: G Forrest Lamp (Western Kentucky).
NO.21 Detroit Lions: The Lions finished the regular season with three losses and a wild card loss to the Seahawks. They strengthened their offensive line in free agency with the addition of T.J. Lang. The lions need a pass rusher and a cornerback. Michigan’s Taco Charlton could be a good fit or Florida’s Jarred Davis.
Potential Pick: LB Jarred Davis (Florida)
NO.22 Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins need to improve on defence. They need an upgrade at linebacker and defensive end. They signed S Nate Allen and LB Lawrence Timmons in free agency. They could use this pick to get a tight end and University of Miami TE David Njoku would be a good fit. If they use this pick on defence then Derek Barnett from Tennessee could be their best choice.
Potential Pick: DE Derek Barnett (Tennessee).
NO.23 New York Giants: The Giants added Brandon Marshall in free agency which should take some pressure off Odell Beckham. The Giants need to improve at linebacker and at running back. They could also use a tight end to give Eli another weapon on offense.
Potential Pick: TE David Njoku (Miami).
NO.24 Oakland Raiders: The Raiders were great on offense last year and have improved signing TE Jarred Cook and with the recent addition of RB Marshawn Lynch they look set on offence. They also signed LB Jelani Jenkins. They really need to improve on defence. It depends on what part of their defence they choose to improve with this pick. They could pick a Line backer or defensive end but I think they use this pick on CB Tre’Davious White from LSU.
Potential Pick: CB Tre’Davious White (LSU).
NO.25 Houston Texans: The Texans big problem last season was at quarterback. They paid big money for Brock Osweiler last season and this offseason traded him to the Cleveland Browns along with a sixth round pick this year and a second round pick in the 2018 draft receiving a fourth round pick this year. The Texans could use a linebacker and Zach Cunningham out of Vanderbilt is a good fit. With Tony Romo retiring and thus ending any chances of the Texans signing him, they now need a quarterback. So I think the Texans will use this pick on a QB and the best available for me is Clemson’s Deshaun Watson but Bill O’ Brien may want Patrick Mahomes.
Potential Pick: QB Patrick Mahomes (Texas Tech).
NO.26 Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks signed RB Eddie Lacy and resigned CB Desshawn Shead. They need to upgrade their offensive line and could with another CB to strengthen their secondary. If they do draft a CB then Kevin King out of Washington could be a good fit staying in the state. Florida’s Teez Tabor could be another option at CB but if they choose to use the pick on the offensive line then Indiana’s Dan Feeney would probably be the best available at this stage.
Potential Pick: CB Kevin King (Washington).
NO.27 Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs should be in the market for a new running back after not resigning Jamal Charles. They also need to improve on defence and LB Tim Williams should still be available at this stage. If they do go for a running back, they could get one in later rounds and use this pick to strengthen their defence.
Potential Pick: LB Hasson Reddick (Temple)
NO.28 Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys will need to improve on defence this year if they are going to make a Super Bowl run. They seem to have all their pieces together on offense so I think they will focus on defence in this year’s draft.
Potential Pick: DE Taco Charlton (Michigan)
NO.29 Green Bay Packers: The Packers had a lot of injuries on defence last season but still their defence wasn’t good enough even when at full health. Julius Peppers was not resigned by the packers leaving a place at defensive end. They did sign TE Martellus Bennett to replace Jarred Cook. They Packers also signed Davon House bringing him back to Green Bay after two years with the Jaguars. They also signed LB Jordan Tripp. The Packers need to improve on defence and need a running back after letting Eddie Lacy go. A good fit might be Florida CB Teez Tabor or safety Jabrill Peppers or LB Tim Williams.Zach Cunningham would also be a good fit. If they try to replace Lacy in the first round, then Joe Mixon from Oklahoma or Alvin Kamara from Tennessee would be good choices. But Adoree Jackson would give the Packers secondary some much needed help.
Potential Pick: CB Adoree Jackson (USC)
NO.30 Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers need to improve at linebacker. Their offensive will be great again this season and after signing Knile Davis to backup Le’Veon Bell they should be all set for another big offensive year. It is their defence they need to improve on and I think that’s what they will do with this pick. I think they take J.J Watts younger brother T.J.
Potential Pick: LB T.J Watt (Wisconsin)
NO.31 Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons need to improve on defence and by signing Dontari Poe in free agency made a big step towards improvement. They have a great offence and added WR Andre Roberts to give Matt Ryan another target. They should use this pick on defence and DE Takkarist McKinley.
Potential Pick: DE Takkarist McKinley (UCLA)
NO.32 New Orleans Saints: The Saints acquired this pick by trading WR Brandin Cooks to New England. The Saints could use this pick to draft a replacement quarterback for Drew Brees. After strengthening their defence with the 11th overall pick I see them drafting a QB if they don’t decide to trade the pick. Deshaun Watson could still be available at this point and although he wants to start from day one there isn’t many better QB’s to learn off than Drew Brees.
Potential Pick: QB Deshaun Watson (Clemson).
Some other players to watch out for in the later rounds by position are,
QB’s DeShone Kizer (Notre Dame), Brad Kaaya (Miami).
RB’s Alvin Kamara (Tennessee), Joe Mixon (Oklahoma), James Conner (Pitt), D’Onta Foreman (Texas).
WR’s Cooper Kupp ( Eastern Washington), JuJu Smith-Schuster (USC), Zay Jones (East Carolina), ArDarius Stewart (Alabama).
TE’s Evan Engram (Ole Miss), Jake Butt (Michigan). OT’s Taylor Moton (Western Michigan), Antonio Garcia (Troy).
OG’s Dan Feeney (Indiana), Dion Dawkins (Temple), Garrett Bolles (Utah)
DE’s Carl Lawson (Auburn), DeMarcus Walker (FSU). C’s Pat Elflein (Ohio State), Ethan Pocic(LSU), Kyle Fuller (Baylor), Charles Harris (Missouri).
DT’s Malik McDowell (Michigan State), Caleb Brantley (Florida), Chris Wormley (Michigan).
LB’s Raekown McMilan (Ohio State), Anthony Walker (Northwestern), Kendell Beckwith (LSU), Zach Cunningham (Vanderbilt), Tyrus Bowser (Houston), Tim Williams (Alabama), Alex Anzalone (Florida).
CB’s Chidobe Awuzie (Colorado), Fabian Moreau (UCLA), Sidney Jones (Washington), Teez Tabor (Florida).
FS’s Jabrill Peppers (Michigan), Budda Baker (Waashington), Desmond King (Iowa), Marcus Williams (Utah), Marcus Maye (Florida), John Johnson (Boston College).
SS’s Obi Melifonwu (Connecticut), Josh Jones (NC State), Eddie Jackson (Alabama), Jadar Johnson(Clemson).
By Niall Walsh 27/4/2017.
