2017 Draft Preview - Who’s Got What and What They Need
1: 
- the team with the worst record has so far retained their pick. They really need a franchise QB and it will be interesting to see how the draft class that includes Patrick Mahomes, Mitchell Trubisky, and DeShaun Watson look as the possibility for a player worthy of the top pick could be high.
2: 
- the Saints struggled this year after the Panthers and Falcons found some mojo, but it’s unclear where their true need lies. They could use a franchise quarterback like the Giants (albeit not as desperately) or a real talent at receiver.
3: 
from (
) The Bills sold their soul For McCarron and the Raiders benefit. There are plenty of positions where this team has been spot filled, but now Brad has the chance to find the true player he needs to compliment, such as a top quality running back or epic pass rusher.
4: 
- with Briston trying to move his left end all year so targeting an edge rusher here wouldn’t be a surprise, otherwise his target could be a quality corner if he can’t trade this pick out for a stud.
5: 
from (
) - it would almost be a cardinal sin for me to trade out my stud defensive end only to draft another, but the Falcon’s defensive line sucked with pressure this year so its on the cards. Other options could be middle linebacker, or heaven forbid, a safety this early.
6: 
- how the Bears bombed this bad I don’t know, but it gives them a prime pick to grab a stud and rise again. On paper this is a tough roster to find holes in, so it’s my guess to be a prospect who can be mentored to replace an aging veteran.
7: 
from (
) - at this stage of the year the Chargers have the best combination of picks with 2 in the top 10 (that is sure to change…looking at Apolo and Breck). If they can find a fast safety here it might be a worthy pick, otherwise with the age of their receivers they could look there.
8: 
- I can see a couple of positions that could benefit from a prime pick here, such as a tall, studly corner, an all-round solid running back, or even a pass rusher would provide instant upgrades.
9: from () - this is more likely where a safety could be picked, but it’s still a hard analysis of such as talented team.
10: 
- it was no secret Wade was looking for a left end last season, so this year his replacement has the ammunition to chase one. Otherwise an heir to Matt Ryan could be nabbed, or a Padawan at running back are other positions that could be considered. The biggest roadblock to any analysis here is that a new GM normally means wider changes, so we’ll wait and see how that pans out first.
11: 
- an unlucky quarterback injury stifled the Packers this year, but they could use another dangerous weapon at receiver, or a young talented strong safety.
12: 
- I’d say the Dolphins fall from the top can be placed solely on Marcus Mariota’s back and the learning curve. There is still a ton of talent across the board on this team, so I can only see a potential stud for the receiving corps to come in for a couple of veterans as the most obvious option.
13: 
- Wentz did not go so well starting last year, but any quarterback is a slow process to stardom. It’s a prime time to bring in a young receiver to go the distance with Wentz or find that next generation defensive back that Breck can be happy with for a few years.
14: 
- Matt Forte was a filler this year and the jaguars could use a long-term solution at running back as ol’ Crab Legs needs someone to help carry the load. This far into the draft you could even warrant a pick on that special tight end talent if there is one in the class or look at replacing a veteran linebacker.
15: from (
) - here we start Gary’s flood on the draft as he currently holds 5 first round picks. A fast free safety would help, a top end pass rusher with speed and acceleration, a quality corner back, or a nice tight end would all help.
16: from (
) - take two for Breck…nope. According to the trade block, this pick has been dealt, so next!
17: 
from (
) - safety could be a possible option here as the current roster does not boast the best combination of speed, height, and awareness. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this pick leveraged into a later first or multiple seconds as AF looks to have been successful that deep into the draft quite regularly.
18: from (
) - hmm, the Raiders again but a lot deeper now so the real studs have gone. Whatever the choose up the top end may result in the other option being chased here, or they’ll start shuffling players + picks for upgrades elsewhere.
19: 
from (
) - Kevin is always hard on his team no matter the talent, which makes guessing a team direction for the draft near impossible. Plus he’s got talent everywhere and athletic backups in most places too, so unless he finds a big nose tackle or something here, I’ve got nothing.
20: from (
) - Bryan’s punter is 41, so he needs a new one. There’s no reason for him to pick any other position in this draft…at all.
21: 
from () - the SFL All-Stars and reigning champions are on the clock and they need…? Anyway, I doubt this pick remains in there hands for long as Apolo loves to move up.
22: from (
) - another Colts pick that has already been traded, so we wait and see where it lands.
23: from (
) - the Steelers are up again for another little taste before their main feast, but at this spot they might find a tight end or safety, or leverage this pick plus some of their later options to move up.
24: 
- is it scary that I think this is the first team that has a real need for an offensive lineman? I know we won’t see them fall this far. Between an offensive tackle, defensive end, defensive tackle, or tight end the Browns are probably well placed to find the right talent.
25: from () - Romeo has ridden his wave of elation from the #1 pick and now he knuckles down to find some further support, like a receiver or outside linebacker.
26: from () - another team I find it hard to believe finished so low overall with their level of talent as I can’t find any glaring needs. A big, strong, fast outside linebacker is the best I’ve got here.
27: from (
) - some height in the receivers could help here, or even a defensive end as both starts are regressing, but the trade block suggest middle linebacker could be on the cards.
28: from (
) - 3 in a row right here for the Steelers. As mentioned before, I wouldn’t be surprised to see all these 3 picks moved for a higher draft position or established talent.
29: from () - look up, nothing more to see here.
30: from (
) - ditto.
31: 
- Rock’s kicker is turning 35…but if a quarterback prospect was still available that would be only a slight down grade from the kicker pick for Rock ; )
32: - the Titans won’t pick here; this will be traded.
