2022 NFL Draft Storylines

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ronace2477@aol.com
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2022 NFL DRAFT STORYLINES by ronacesports – Written 4/24

It’s three days before the draft.  This article quickly summarizes my overall feelings on the draft class and then moves right into a team by team look at round one of the 2022 draft.

MY DRAFT BOARD: I have 179 numerically rated players and 93 players who receive a * (also-eligible, draft worthy) rating.  That’s a pre-draft total of 272.

I adjust ratings after the draft based on person-team fit.  There are usually a few players who change from numerically rated to * rated and vice versa based on further analysis.  In addition, it’s possible for some * rated players to become NR (NOT NFL worthy) and some NR players moving up to * rated status as I gather more Intel on their skill set.  Overall, the pre-draft board is 98% set.  I thought this year would shatter the record for number of draft-worthy players, but the final totals will not reach the 290+ projection I envisioned prior to this article.  Still, as I have noted numerous times, covid created the “super senior” rule, where players received an extra year of eligibility.  That created two things: 1st, players got better by staying in school.  2nd, essentially two classes “graduated” this year, creating more SR eligible players with a decent skill set.

NOTE: The ’18 totals were the lowest in over a decade.  The records before 2022 were 183 numerically rated players and 269 overall draft worthy players, both set in the ’14 draft.  For comparison sake, the 2021 draft showed just a total of 224 draft worthy players.

SPECIAL NOTE: This is a DOWN year at QB, but a deep class almost everywhere else.  The top of the draft is not really different from most classes, as even with covid, top tier junior eligible players were prevalent in the 2021 draft.  Instead, positions such as TE, OL and CB will be strong throughout the draft.  Edge rusher?  Finally, we get a great class after two down seasons.

On to the draft.  Going in draft order, here’s where things stand with each team less than 96 hours before the draft, with my Intel and comments, plus some of my thoughts about later rounds and/or general draft thoughts.

  1. Jacksonville: The Jags return to the top spot for the 2nd straight season. All eyes are on the DL, where the battle is expected to be between edge rushers Aldan Hutchinson and Travon Walker.  Walker has shot up draft boards, but it’s a risk in my eyes to take a player 1st overall with just one year of production.  My #1 need for this team is OL, and I’ve heard that Head Coach Peterson agrees. DL/Edge is -950 all the way up to -1200 on the betting line. REST OF THE DRAFT: Needing two OL, that has to be the focus at pick 33.  Late visits with two LB’s suggest they will add one if they can at pick 65 or pick 70.
  2. Detroit: TV will talk up QB, but this has to be for an edge rusher. It’s likely Hutchinson if available, but could Kayvon Thibodeaux be the guy and NOT Walker if Hutchinson went at #1?  I think so.
  3. Houston: Long a bottom feeder in terms of draft grades, this could be a curveball in the proceedings. The choices “seem” to be one of the edge rushers, or OL Ikem Ekwonu or Evan Neal.  The goal is a day one starter.  I don’t like the fit for Thibodeaux, but some “experts” disagree.  I think it will be Walker, Ekwonu, or a surprise, likely in the form of a CB.
  4. NYJ: The Jets have nine overall picks. USE THEM ALL.  The Jets sit at picks 4 and 10.  They could go edge if one of the top three is available, OL, or CB.  The betting favorite is edge, then CB, then OL.  They’ve had in depth meetings with ALL of the top players at these three positions.  For now, I’d prefer edge rusher Walker over Thibodeaux, so unless Walker is available, the choice for me is either a top OL or CB Ahmad Gardner.  As I said in my draft preview, CB speed is missing.
  5. NYG: This is NOT the year to go QB, although as my readers know, that’s my #1 area of need for this team. DB is next, followed by OL.  Picking at 5 and 7, they just need to know what’s happening at pick #6.  That won’t be easy.  The NYG signed five OL in free agency, but did spend some time with the two top OL.  I do think Thibodeaux would fit with this team.  I know they covet CB Gardner.  Can they get him at pick 7?  I’d go OL, then Gardner, but the new draft team may think otherwise.
  6. Carolina: The draft gets interesting right now! Carolina has met with the presumed top five QB’s, as well as the top two OL, and presumed top ten OT Charles Cross.  The right thing to do is to trade BACK.  Carolina is without picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds (next pick is #137).  Minnesota has pick #12.  That’s a trade back possibility.  Other possibilities include trading 6 for 15/51/101 (Philly) or 6 for 16/48/98 (New Orleans).  These teams may even offer more than that.  I don’t want a 2022 QB.  I want OL, pass rusher and TE before day two is over.  Carolina can get it’s QB with any of these three trade backs.  OL and QB are both -105 to be the 1st position drafted by the Panthers.
  7. NYG: I’m cautiously optimistic new GM Joe Schoen will be world’s better at the draft process as compared to former GM Dave Gettleman. Picks 5 and 7 for me have to be from this list: OL Neal or Ekwonu, edge rusher Thibodeaux, CB Gardner and safety Kyle Hamilton.  What we don’t know is if current DB Bradberry will be traded before or during the draft process.  REST OF THE DRAFT: I’m hearing that the NYG will add a RB.  The new regime isn’t sure if current RB Barkley is the answer.  That pick could come as soon as #36, although safety (Cine) or DL (Travis Jones) might also be under consideration.
  8. Atlanta: Marcus Mariota is the current starter, but Atlanta could be thinking QB in this draft. Again, I’d delay a QB signing until the better 2023 class, as this is a clear rebuilding year.  Remember, this is the team that garnered a pitiful 18 defensive sacks a year ago (next worst 29).  Will they EVER address pass rusher?  The betting odds say no (+350), as WR is even money to be their 1st  I’d easily go edge at this pick if one of the big three fell this far, and for THIS team, I’d consider DE Jermaine Johnson as well.  Atlanta has met with all the top QB’s but have kept their WR intentions private.  WR is my #2 need behind multiple edge rushers.  I’d be willing to trade back in this draft, again with Minny (12), Philly (15) and New Orleans (16), all possible trade partners.  REST OF THE DRAFT: Please do NOT make nine picks become seven.  I’m not a fan of this draft team.  My final board is 2 edge rushers, 2 WR’s, safety, right tackle and LB.
  9. Seattle: Prior to 2021, Seattle typically turned seven picks into twelve, and four picks one year into an astounding eleven. 2021 was unprecedented territory, with just three selections.  They have eight now, and I wouldn’t rule out a trade back from this pick.  I don’t expect them to go QB this early (+225).  OL is the favorite at +190 (Fan Dual), and that matches my #2 area of need, behind QB.  Edge rusher (+430) is my next area of need.  Don’t rule out CB Gardner if he’s available, but my best guess is that they trade back from this pick.  REST OF THE DRAFT:  SEATTLE NUGGET: It’s well documented how many times Seattle has traded OUT of round one, but did you know Seattle has also traded its original 2nd round pick in eight of the past twelve drafts?  I expect them to draft a QB a bit later in the draft, and surprise most of us with a couple of off the wall picks.  I watch all seven rounds of the draft with interest, since this is my time of year.  Keep an eye on WR Dareke Young late along with TE Armani Rodgers.  Seattle drafts are always fascinating.
  10. NYJ: Most people think the Jets go WR here. They’ve spent considerable time with the top WR’s, so that’s possible.  I’d wait.  You have to protect your young QB, and you have to do better than 33 defensive sacks.  I have LB and a CB with speed higher than the need for WR.  REST OF THE DRAFT: The Jets also have picks 35, 38 and 69.  Like last year, I fear they will trade UP, and not select all five, which right now would seem to me like a mistake.  I can’t wait to see what they do on day two.
  11. Washington: This is a tough team to decipher on draft day. WR (+145) and CB (+250) are the favorites.  OL (+575) is my #1 need, followed by CB.  Based on my Intel, they are looking WR or safety Hamilton.  REST OF THE DRAFT: Washington has pick 47, but does not have a 3rd round selection.  I’d trade BACK, either at 11 or 47 to get another day two pick.  This team is studying RB hard.  We can safely assume they will add both WR and RB, but will they address my top two needs?
  12. Minnesota: GM Chris Spielman is gone, so the team that loves to trade (mostly back) on draft day, and has taken 39 picks the past three seasons is a bit of an unknown right now. CB is my #1 need and is the betting favorite as well.  Minny is moving to a 3-4 defensive alignment, so that’s why my next need area is for two LB’s.  Three options interest me at this spot.  Is this too high for CB Trent McDuffie?  LB Devin Lloyd would be a massive playmaking addition.  RG is a massive need, and two options will be available as well.  Minny’s intentions are NOT known to me, as the only Intel I have is them kicking the tires on multiple DE and DT players, many with day two grades.  Let’s not rule out safety if Hamilton drops.  REST OF THE DRAFT: Most likely this new draft team is not as trade trigger happy.  I expect picks to be spread around the board.
  13. Houston: If Houston went edge at pick three then this pick is likely for OL or CB. If they went OL at pick three, then the pick here should be for edge rusher or CB.  The team covets CB Derek Stingley, but he is not expected to be there.  Trevor Penning is the next rated OT on my board (Cross is higher on most boards but is expected to be gone), but from my Intel they are more interested in OG Kenyon Green.  I expect a curveball from this less than stellar draft team.  REST OF THE DRAFT: 2021 was a “meet and greet” situation, which last September saw the team with over 40 new faces.  Usually, these things go very poorly at the start, as team chemistry is lacking as is to be expected.  The same thing is going on now, along with another new staff.  I’d use all eleven picks, but I suspect the Texans will end up with about nine.  It’s going to be hard to screw up this deep of a draft class, but if anyone can make a mess of the draft, this is the team.
  14. Baltimore: DL and OL are the betting favorites, and that’s my order as well. History says that the Ravens are willing to trade back, but not too far back.  Keep in mind OT Stanley has played just seven games in the past two seasons.  DL is also a bolded need on my board, and the Ravens are better when they have a stud DT.  DT Jordan Davis could be considered.  REST OF THE DRAFT: Baltimore has five picks in the 5th round of this loaded draft, and nine of the top 141.  They look like they will add a stud RB.  Fix the OL and get another edge rusher and I will have them 2nd in the AFC, behind Buffalo.
  15. Philly: GM Howie Roseman has made a boatload of draft day trades. In March, they traded one of their initial three 1st round picks, correctly positioning themselves for a high QB pick in 2023 if current QB Hurts needs to be replaced.  Do they take picks 15/19 and move UP to get a stud DB or edge rusher?  How about WR, a position they have spent a majority of time on?  Something tells me that the big draft run on WR’s could be delayed, mainly due to the volume of talent available.  I think they do address WR here, or at pick 19, but I would NOT trade up to get one.  Philly is famous for leaping over Divisional rivals to take a player that was coveted by their enemies.
  16. New Orleans: The Saints once went through a seven-year streak where they drafted a total of 32 players. The average is eight per team per season.  Minny drafted 39 players in the last three seasons.  The Saints have drafted fifteen players the past three seasons.  With Head Coach Payton gone, does that change?  Based on past habits, I expect a move UP the draft board.  In the past, that move up has NOT been for a QB.  As I’ve said to others, QB Pickett fits here, with a dome environment, and few late season cold weather games.  The Saints do not seem interested, and I don’t know if that’s a smokescreen or not.  QB is the favorite at +145 and +150, but WR and left tackle are my two choices here.  I have not seen them having any interest in OL.  I think they DO trade up, and I’ll try to get more Intel on the target player before Thursday.
  17. LA Chargers: LA plays close to where I live, but I NEVER get any Intel from my digging around for this organization. Lately, they’ve become the “new” Baltimore, sitting and getting a gift player at their draft slot (Bosa, Derwin James, Herbert, OT Slater).  OL, LB and stud DT are my top three needs.  LB is +1100 to be their 1st look, but OL is the +120 favorite.  I’d go for a good right side OL fit, LB Lloyd, DT Davis, or yes WR Chris Olave.  He’d be a monster addition working opposite WR Allen, and is camera ready.  I think OG Green or Zion Johnson would be logical fits.  REST OF THE DRAFT: LA is missing a 2nd round pick but seldom trades on draft day.  I think they go OL at 17 or 79.
  18. New Orleans: This draft is fascinating, with a record eight teams having multiple day one picks. I don’t expect the Saints to stay at 16 and 18, but if they do, I would go WR and OT.  The needs are few, as after that I would go for best available defensive player, as thin drafts have impacted their depth.  My Intel says that WR is clearly in play, as is CB, with QB a more closely guarded secret.  REST OF THE DRAFT: With RB Kamara in legal trouble, the Saints have (secretly and not so secretly) met with as many as nine RB’s. Quiz question: Who is CB Samuel Womack, and why could he be a late round pick?
  19. Philly: Only 11 days ago the Eagles lost both a CB and a safety to free agency. Philly will be targeting DB, perhaps with one of these two early picks.  I’m getting the feeling they will delay drafting DT, my #1 area of need.  CB Booth is one to watch, who is expected to go later in the round.  If they do not make a splash trade then I think the two picks they make include one WR and either DB or a draft dropping DL or OL.  REST OF THE DRAFT: I make the over-under 3.5 on the number of trades Philly makes in this draft.  They need to replace the production of edge rusher Riddick, add a cover safety to clean up their splash play weakness, and yes, add a WR to replace the mistake that might be Jalen Reagor from the 2020 draft.
  1. Pittsburgh: I’m on record as saying Carolina, Atlanta and Seattle should DELAY QB picks (yes, Carolina can make one if they trade back) until 2023, and maybe the Saints could take one. For Pitt, I’m fine if they take a QB at this selection.  QB is +120 to be the pick.  I would not trade up to get one unless Carolina trades back.  Then it might be wise to get ahead of the Panthers if they have a clear #1 target.  Mike Tomlin had many a dinner with the top QB’s in this draft.  He also attended numerous pro days at major colleges across the country.  WR is actually my #1 area of need, followed by a stud OL.  Pitt is electric at identifying WR talent, and I think this is a day two pick for them.  I’d go QB or OL.  REST OF THE DRAFT: Years of mediocre drafts (except at WR and LB) have taken their toll.  The team has butchered CB in every draft, so I wouldn’t trust them in this area.  While I have less Intel than usual for this team, I do think they will address all my need areas (WR, OL, DB, perhaps DL).  Let’s have some fun and say at least one Clemson player will be drafted, and maybe LB Mark Robinson?
  2. New England: I do not expect NE to trade up in the draft, but make it 40-60 they trade back, and 50-50 they make at least one trade with Philly. As the draft odds indicate, no one is quite sure what they’ll do, with CB the top choice at a fat +250.  I see them open for business, with someone wanting a WR ahead of GB (22), or a LB or WR ahead of Arizona (23) also possible.  If they stay, they may look at a versatile OL or DB, as this team heavily values positional versatility.  Is there any way OG Green falls this far?  DE George Karliftis has been called a “Belichick guy”.  That would be great, as I am invested in George going OVER pick 17.  OL and CB are my top needs for NE.  REST OF THE DRAFT: I have less Intel than usual here, but do know this: NE loves players from Rutgers (WR Melton, maybe a RB?) and Bill is close with Saban at Alabama.
  1. Green Bay: In 2020, six dead frogs could have drafted better than GB. In 2021, GB reverted back to their usual C- draft grade.  Armed with picks 22, 28, 53 and 59, can’t they do better in this deep draft?  WR is the heavy favorite at -175, but I don’t trust this team.  WR is my top area of need.  I’d love to see them (finally) address the DL, but won’t hold my breathe.  If you don’t think they go WR here, then there’s tons of value betting other positions.  WR Olave would be a perfect fit.
  2. Arizona: WR (+300) and DL/edge (+300) are the favorites, but I have their top three needs as LB, WR and CB. Some people say edge is a big need but I disagree.  For the record, Arizona has shown NO interest in LB.  I’m not sure what they will do.  Given that I think their defensive coaches have let down this team, if I were the GM, I’d keep stocking the defense with talent, hopefully making life easier for the staff.  REST OF THE DRAFT: I would LOVE the fit of RB Pierre Strong to this team.  I have RB as my 4th overall need.  Combine freak Boye Mafe is the type of player they covet based on recent early round athletic selections they’ve made.  I like their GM, but trying to get Head Coach Kingsbury the right players is not easy
  3. Dallas: From 2021’s report: Dallas could also be in play for LB Parsons, as they are the type of organization that doesn’t exclude people due to character. OL is the heavy favorite at +125, which makes sense, as they lost two starters in free agency.  OL, followed by WR has been the prime focus for Dallas during the pre-draft process.  As of this writing, two critical safeties on the team are considering leaving via free agency.  Safety would climb ahead of DL as my #2 need if either of the two left.  You HAVE to have a fast free safety to clean up for the aggressive behavior of CB Diggs.  OL is the likely choice here.  REST OF THE DRAFT: I have tremendous Intel this year on Dallas.  I can safely say that they are going to spread their nine picks around (other than OL), and they have clearly been focusing on day three targets.  I have a list of several under the radar names that could go late in the draft to this team.  My best “guess” is that they target TE and DT on day two of the draft.
  4. Buffalo: I find it fascinating that the media and analyst buzz is clearly about RB. They just slid RB Breece Hall into their private meeting room at the last second, which is interesting.  They could trade back (KC, Lions, etc. going after a QB, WR, CB for example) and still get Hall.  The correlation of RB’s to win success is not great, so I would go CB (+200, RB is +600 at Fan Dual), a position they ignored last year and have two voids facing them now.  Buffalo has also looked hard at CB, with Andrew Booth and Kyler Gordon getting particularly long looks.  Gordon’s draft slot is an “interesting” 26.5.  Go get Spiller later?   REST OF THE DRAFT: Buffalo has shown enormous interest in TE’s, which I’m not opposed to in the 3rd  I would go CB in round one, OL in round two and then TE or front seven defensive depth.  I love this TE class.
  5. Tennessee: The early years of GM Robinson’s tenure changed the fortunes of this franchise and got them to where they are today (multiple winning records). Recent drafts continue to add some talent, but the cost has been way too many trade ups.  OL is the favorite at +190, followed by WR at +340.  Many people agree, but my top needs are OL, followed by CB.  The late buzz is that they may go QB.  That seems strange, but I won’t rule it out.  They just lost RT Quessenberry (free agency) and already had an issue at OG.  Zion Johnson would be a great fit in my eyes.  I’m not sold Tennessee goes OL.  It could be a wait and see situation based on supply and demand with the teams ahead of them.  While I’m opposed (for now) to a trade up, I make it 50-50 Tennessee does move up from pick 26.  REST OF THE DRAFT: The Titans do NOT have a 2nd round pick, but I almost expect them to sacrifice a 2023 pick to move into that round.  I think they will be slightly unpredictable in the draft, but one area they might go after is TE.  Known for selecting complementary, and NOT impact TE’s, could we see a TE selection such as Daniel Bellinger, Cade Otton, or the draft-dropping Jalen Wydermyer?
  1. Tampa Bay: Tampa mailed in the 2021 draft, and it showed. I understood not going big, given that all 22 starters were returning, but why didn’t they trade OUT of the 2021 draft twice, stockpiling picks in this much deeper draft?  OL is the favorite at +150, which makes since with two key players gone.  We could still see some DL defections, making that a pretty big need.  This is OT Tyler Smith’s draft range, but as far as I can tell, the Bucs have had no contact with him.  That of course doesn’t mean they aren’t interested.  I’d love a sticky cover CB here if they veer away from OL.  REST OF THE DRAFT: Tampa has only six picks, but has to be all-in now for Tom Brady.  What happens with DT Suh?  TE Gronkowski?  In addition to DL and CB, Tampa has been carefully vetting out RB’s.  In fact, they’ve spent more time on this position than any other.  One interesting name to watch is Dameron Pierce.  One way or another I expect a pass-catching RB added to the mix.
  2. Green Bay: Everyone thought GB would go WR early in 2020 and 2021. With two picks in this round, WR has to be the focus now.  I like that they seem to be focused on adding a quality DT, but will they actually pull the trigger?  In addition to WR and DL, my next two needs are LB and OL.  Please stick to my board.  REST OF THE DRAFT: I lack Intel for GB as of Sunday before the draft, but they seem to be focused on adding at least one WR, and NOT focused on the position of LB.
  3. KC: KC doesn’t rebuild, they just reload. The GM doesn’t expect there to be a 1st round talent left at picks 29 and 30, but then again, they got LB Bolden in the 2nd round last year, stole center Creed Humphrey in the 3rd round, and also added solid OG Trey Smith in the 6th  Reid covets speed.  They may trade up to get a fast WR or stay and go WR/CB.  WR is even money to be the 1st position chosen, but if KC stays at 29/30 then that is a tougher call, as it doesn’t matter to them if WR is at pick 30.  CB is +500 and safety is +850.  CB, DL and pass rushers are my next in line needs after WR.
  4. KC: This team is NOT opposed to drafting players with suspect character issues. That puts DT Devonte Wyatt in play, and he’s got a 1st round on-field grade for me.  If they stay with two early picks it will be WR, and one of DB or DL.  REST OF THE DRAFT: KC has 12 picks and I do NOT expect them to end the draft with 12 selections.  Look for a couple of trade ups in the draft, and also look for KC to add a pick or two in the 2023 draft?  Teams needing a CB or a QB might try to trade for pick 30.
  5. Cincinnati: This is brand new territory for Cincy, who is much more accustomed to drafting near the top of every round. OL is the clear favorite at +100 (even) but I sadly disagree.  It was my #1 area pre free agency, but they have since added two OL starters, and another OL who could fill a major role as well.  Instead, CB (3rd choice at +340) is my #1 need, and I went for the play to supplement my early (pre free agency) play on OL at +115.  The one OL player I would look at is Iowa’s Tyler Linderbaum, whose draft slot is over-under 27.5 and has a 1st round grade on my board.  Cincy hasn’t telegraphed their round one intention.  DL is another possibility but I go CB, hoping for an eventual upgrade over Eli Apple.  REST OF THE DRAFT: I find it “interesting” that Cincy has secretly been spending last week digging into multiple TE targets.  I’d highly endorse adding an impact TE, although it doesn’t appear as a bolded need on my board.  Cincy has historically been a decent drafting team.  Get me a strong CB and don’t forget about adding a strong interior OL, just like KC did a year ago.
  6. Detroit: Past GM’s, along with Head Coach Matt Patricia, set this team back in so many ways. Last year was a modest step in the right direction, but this year HAS to be where they make their move.  Grouping picks 32 and 34 together, I’d go WR and safety with the picks, but would be “okay” if they drafted a QB.  I’d wait on LB, as the Lions have picks 66 and 97 still to come on day two, and LB’s usually drop in the draft.  REST OF THE DRAFT: As GM, I’d strongly consider adding another edge rusher on day two of the draft.  This team was 31st in QB hits and had just 30 defensive sacks.

Late news on teams outside of the 1st round

Chicago (picks 39 and 48 in 2nd round): It’s far tougher to predict the exact position a team will pick when they do not have a 1st or 2nd round selection.  For Chicago, WR is the favorite at +200, with OL at +340.  My need board is WR, LB/edge rusher and OL.

Indy (pick 42): They’ve traded back nine times under GM Ballard in the past five drafts.  OL is the betting favorite at +175, followed by WR at +250.  Every other position is much further back.  My rank order is WR and then 2 OL.  Based on Intel, they seem to be looking at four positions early, that being DT/TE/CB/WR, not in any particular order.  Overall, they have kicked the tires on a million or so CB’s, so that could be a day three emphasis.  I would stick to WR or OL with pick #42.

Cleveland (pick 44): DL is the favorite at +190, followed by WR +270 and CB at +450 and OL at +500.  My board is LB 1st, followed by WR and OL.  One issue impacting where they might go is what happens with currently unsigned DL Jadeveon Clowney.  Even WR Jarvis Landry could return to this team.  Unfortunately, I have little Intel as of this writing (Sunday).  I wouldn’t be shocked if they moved up for a player who has fallen during the draft.  If that happens, I suspect it would be for a pick early in the 2nd round and not in the 1st round.  My slight lean is WR, but let’s monitor the Clowney situation closely.

San Francisco (pick 61): Looming over SF is the Deebo Samuel situation, and maybe even the Jimmy G situation.  A Deebo trade would completely alter their draft capital.  Jimmy G could yield a 2nd or a 3rd round pick at most, but it looks like that will be resolved later in the year.  This uncertainty makes SF the only team without draft odds on what will be their 1st position drafted.  For now, they have nine picks and I’m 70-30 convinced they move UP from pick 61.  OL (perhaps Dylan Parham or Sean Ryhan) could be their look.  Other positions they have shown an interest in are CB and RB.  I expect them to be semi-active traders during the draft, but am unsure exactly what their positional attack will be.

Denver (pick 64): Denver has this pick, plus day two picks 75 and 96.  My need board reads edge rusher, TE and CB.  I show 11 players with day two grades on their draft radar.  Comparing two draft sites, best prices for their presumed top four needs are LB at +340, DL/edge at +430, OL at +430 and RB at +500.  TE is at +900, and local product Tre McBride wouldn’t be a bad trade up target.  Originally priced at over-under for spot 62.5, his new, and much more accurate # is 50.5.  Regardless, I’d stick to my need board.  The prices are generous, but I have no feeling at this time for which way they will go.

Las Vegas (Pick 86, 3rd round): Mike Mayock learned that it’s not so easy running a draft operation.  He also likely learned that working with the impulsive Jon Gruden was not easy.  CB is at +210, followed by OL at +230 and DL/edge at +275.  My need board (in order) reads 2 OL, impact LB and CB.  I can tell you that Vegas has looked at more CB’s than any other position, and seemingly has slow-played OL.  They have but five picks, and I would be concerned if OL was not addressed.

Miami (pick 102): Miami has just four picks, with most of the deficit due to adding Tyreek Hill.  This is the back end of the 3rd round, so it’s a complete guess as to what they’ll do.  OL is at +200/+210, which is my 2nd area of need, but they did add two free agency starters.  If they go in that direction, perhaps center Zach Tom is the target.  LB (+350) is my top area of need.  I would be okay with a draft dropping OL but otherwise, there might be several decently rated LB’s to choose from.

LA Rams (pick 104): Like with local team LA (Chargers), I never get a good read on the Rams, partly because they have little use for drafting any early round players.  CB, DL/edge, and OL are co-favorites at +250 to be the 1st position they draft.  My top three needs for LA are 2-3 OL, CB and edge rusher, so I’m in sync with these projections.  A pair of day three targets just “might” be WR K.D. Nixon and SD St punter Matt Araiza.

You can find my full, team by team NFL draft preview at linktr.ee/sportswageru  Just click on NFL Draft Guide.

Visit me on twitter @ronacesports where I provide thoughts about all things football, including day of game quick previews and post-game recaps.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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