Mock drafts are some good fun, but really, you can’t take into account the vast amount of trades that could, should and maybe even will take place during the first round on Thursday night at Radio City Music Hall.
Here’s a quick breakdown on how quickly things could get shaken up.
-The Texans have been talking for months about potentially trading out of the No. 1 spot. If the right deal comes along, they would love to pick up a few extra selections if they can still grab Khalil Mack a few spots back. But, according to reports, the asking price for the top pick might be a bit too steep for anyone to bite: Three first-round picks and a second rounder. That of course varies depending on how far Houston would be moving back in tonight’s draft.
-The Rams came into the No. 2 overall pick thanks to trading away the same pick a couple of years ago to Washington. If they can get a similar haul, they’d love to move back and stash picks. St. Louis also sits at No. 13 and, again, could be willing to move back if the price is right.
-The Falcons are always looking at moving up in draft, but this time it doesn’t really make sense. They really want Jadeveon Clowney, but would have to move up to No. 1 to get him – which may be too rich for their blood. Sitting at No. 6, they’ll likely land a franchise tackle they desperately need, or Mack.
-The Cowboys could also move up, but it won’t be for Johnny Manziel. Considering how much of an albatross Tony Romo’s contract is and the huge needs they have on defence, taking a playmaking QB doesn’t make sense. But then again, Jerry Jones’ moves often lack that trait.
– A couple of teams in the teens are eying fast-rising receiver Odell Beckham Jr. The Steelers and Jets are both in the market to move up to grab him.
-You can expect a lot of teams to try to trade into the back end of the first round in hopes of landing potentially free-falling QBs. If guys like Manziel, Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles or even Derek Carr are in play, expect a lot of phones to be ringing.
-Two teams that could be looking to pick up some picks and move out of the first round are New England and Seattle. The Pats love to stockpile picks by moving backwards while the Seahawks are pretty stacked across the board.
-Reports have the Buffalo Bills trying to move up into one of the top two spots, but one of their targets doesn’t make sense: Clowney. While Greg Robinson would be a great addition to their offensive line, the Bills don’t really need to add to an already great pass rush – especially when you consider the cost to do so.
-Another team that might be a trade partner for the Rams at No. 2 is Tampa Bay. But who they would select is a mystery. It could be Manziel, but new coach Lovie Smith loves Aaron Donald – who can be probably be had No. 7, the Bucs original slot.
-With the Browns likely passing on a QB at No. 4, they could grab a QB with their second first-round pick at No. 26. They might be looking at either Bridgewater or Carr at that range, or they might even luck into Manziel should he slide.
-The team that’s the biggest wildcard for a possible QB selection is Tennessee. The Titans didn’t pick up Jake Locker’s fifth-year option and might look to move on from the oft-injured pivot.
AS FOR THE OTHER GUYS
And, in case you were wondering, here’s some names that were just below the line for my final mock draft and may have appeared in a past version, but didn’t make the final cut.
Expect many, if not all to have to their names called on the second day of the draft.
Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State
Cody Latimer, WR, Indiana
Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State
RaShede Hageman, DT, Minnesota
Cyrus Kounandjio, OT, Alabama
Jimmie Ward, SS, Northern Illinois
Kony Ealy, DE-LB, Missouri
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Florida State
Jace Amaro, TE, Texas Tech
Jimmy Garpoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois
Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Boise State
JaWuan James, OT, Tennessee