It is almost upon us – the NFL Draft. One of the most fascinating events during the NFL year is the NFL Draft and millions will tune in on April 25th during what is typically the strongest block on television – primetime on a Thursday night.
For teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Oakland Raiders, the draft brings hope. For teams such as the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, and New England Patriots it brings opportunity to become one step closer to what they came just short of this past year. For a team such as the Baltimore Ravens, it brings a chance to replenish a championship team that has lost a handful of key players, including team icons Ed Reed and Ray Lewis.
The NFL Draft is usually an enigma in itself and is usually filled with dramatic suspense and entertainment. This year looks to be even better as, atypical to most years, the top of the draft still looks undecided.
Right now, it looks as though the Chiefs have narrowed it down to Texas A&M Offensive Tackle Luke Joeckel, Central Michigan Offensive Tackle Eric Fisher, and Oregon Linebacker Dion Jordan. Many expect them to select Joeckel, though neither of the other two would be too surprising. Though many believe to be able to forecast the Chiefs selection, Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager David Caldwell has made it hard on draftniks – he has told the media that he has narrowed it down to less than a dozen players, but the only people who will know before the call is made to make the selection are himself, new head coach Gus Bradley, and owner Shad Khan. Many believe they will select Oregon’s Dion Jordan or West Virginia Quarterback Geno Smith.
Of course, there is the chance either team trades back, but it looks as though there will not be much of a market at the top this year. This draft is believed to be “weak” at the top, but filled with tremendous depth. Look for many teams to attempt to trade back in this draft, specifically to attain additional second and third round selections. A run on quarterbacks in round two is also likely.
