My Final Pre NFLDraft Thoughts

As the NFL draft is now only a day away, the picks are soon to be in, but no order if final. With mock drafts flying in from left, right, and centre, here are my final thoughts before the draft commences.

The First Overall Pick

It seems like the consensus over who the Titans will select with the number one overall pick is pretty clear, as Miami quarterback Cam Ward is likely to be the first name off the board, but I would be completely surprised if Tennessee took a different route. 

With generational talent like Travis Hunter, and Abdul Carter being some of the names who could potentially be floating around the first overall pick, I wouldn't be shocked if Tennessee took one of the two with the first. Both bring their qualities, but never in a million years would you ever think a player of Hunter’s quality and potential could fall past the first overall. 

But with Ward being the most likely option, I still believe that Hunter, Carter, and even the likes of Jeanty and Will Campbell are better overall players than Ward, but with their current quarterback woes, Ward is likely to be called first.

With the growing idea that Levis will be out of a job come draft night, it is a tricky decision regardless for Tennessee in a year like this, as better players are in front of them, but it is what they need in particular that is the problem. With Ward probably going number one, it is easy to assume the Browns and the Giants see their second and third overall picks as first overalls, as the pick between Hunter and Carter is a decision they can only drool at.

The Ashton Jeanty Saga

It can be easily argued that Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is on par, if not better than Travis Hunter, and could possibly be seen as the most talented player in the draft. But like I said before, the top four teams are not keen on picking a running back with their premium top four pick, and have other areas to improve, leaving picks five through 10 the liberty to take the once in a blue moon back.

With Jacksonville sneakily keeping their eye on Jeanty, the continuous belief that Las Vegas will pick the generational back is higher than ever heading into draft night. But with the Jaguars sitting at number five, they could easily swoop in and take him at five had they decided to move on from Etienne. But had Jacksonville decide they want to pass on Jeanty to upgrade their actual team needs, the Raiders will have Jeanty in the palm of their hands.

But it doesn't end there. The last few months have seen a bigger buzz around the machine from Boise State than any other prospect in the draft, and especially amongst Ben Johnson’s new Chicago Bears. The Bears were one of the teams who have had their eye on Jeanty since the start, and were tipped to pick up Jeanty had he fallen to pick 10, but it looks like Ryan Poles may have a few challenges on his hands had he wanted to get their guy. Chicago currently hold picks 10, and 39 in the second round, and could utilise some of their draft capital to move up to secure a move for Jeanty. If the Raiders 100% have their eyes set on Jeanty, it will be a killer for the Bears, but with a handful of options at six for the Raiders, Chicago could make a really ballsy move, and definitely get themselves into the mix on Thursday night.

Draft Night Trades

Arguably one of the most exciting things on draft night is always draft night trades. A big, juicy trade, especially in the top 10 never fails to disappoint, and some big ones could definitely be on the horizon this year.

Three teams we could see make big trades are Indianapolis, Jacksonville, and Chicago. Each team has their guy, Jacksonville wants Mason Graham, Indy wants Loveland, and Chicago wants Jeanty, but it isn't that simple. With the Jags sitting at five, it would take a lot for them to trade it away, but a bit of convincing, and a bit of luck on other teams sides may mean they could be involved in a big trade. One team who may be dialing Jacksonville's number come Thursday night is Chicago. Like we said before, Chicago would love nothing more than to have Jeanty put on a Bears cap on the stage, but if they could butter Jacksonville up, they could make that dream a reality. With Mason Graham barely being on any team in the top 10s radar, the likelihood of Graham dropping to number 10 is pretty big, and could be a way from Chicago to utilise their number 10 pick to jump to five. If the Bears throw in a few sweeteners like a second round pick, and a little bit of convincing and trust that Graham will be available at 10, Chicago could definitely have a chance at dealing with Jacksonville on draft night.

The other team who look likely to make a trade is Indianapolis, a team who has their sights set on Michigan's star tight end Colston Loveland. Loveland seems to be taking the title of the second best running back behind Tyler Warren, but with some growing belief that his chances to fall to 14 are slim, the Colts may look to Chicago, or even New Orleans to make Loveland a Colt. With a good plethora of picks on their hands, and a pretty valuable 14th overall, the Colts could definitely have some convincing deals for a team like New Orleans in order to jump to pick nine. With New Orleans not having a concrete pick at nine, they could be easily swayed to a deal moving them back to 14, and with a little bit of buttering up, the Colts could secure Loveland at a pretty short price, a desire they will 100% pursue no matter what.

With trades, shock picks, and big steals, the NFL draft is almost here, and there are my final thoughts. Whatever happens, and whoever goes where, this year's draft is bound to be an entertaining one, and as one of the most unpredictable drafts approaches, the excitement of every fan is through the roof.