It seems like it's been forever since the Super Bowl in February. Sure, we had the Scouting Combine in late February and early March. But still, it seems like it's been FOR....EVER.....
And now, after hundreds of thousands of mock drafts, we are on the verge of the NFL Draft. Next Thursday night in Green Bay we will see round 1 of three days of job placements for prospective football players. The mysteries will be forthcoming. Some people's treasures will be others trash, so to speak.
I've always loved this event. In my younger days, I would buy a myriad of newspapers and magazines that could provide me insight into each player's potential and the round they might be drafted. I'd hole up in my basement believing I was an NFL draft consultant. As a huge Chicago Bear fan, I used to run every possible scenario as to who I'd see joining the roster. It took me a couple of years to master what to look for and analyze team needs and contracts that players were under. I'd look at the mock drafts of the kings, dudes like the Mel Kiper and Todd McShay's of the world, the so-called experts. Sooner rather than later, I figured my abilities were as good as theirs in judging who would draft who. So many times, it looked like their mocks were full of guesses rather than logical choices. Such will be the case again in 2025.
The #1 choice this year, without question, will be Cam Akers. The Tennessee Titans simply need an overhaul at quarterback and the Miami (FL.) product should be one to turn the keys over to. He's a smooth player who should help the Titans move up the ladder in the AFC South. The next selection is where things immediately get interesting. I don't see the Cleveland Browns keeping the pick and taking Penn State DE Abdul Carter. They have to get a QB. I do see Carter going second though. DeShaun Watson and Joe Flacco are not the answers for the Browns. They have a very good defense they need to focus on the offensive side of the ball. So, I sense a trade down where they can still draft Shedeur Sanders of Colorado and pick up a number of other picks where they can boost their run game and perhaps add another wide receiver. The next one off the board has to be Travis Hunter, also from Colorado. He's as a unique player as we've seen in the draft in years. He could be all-Pro at either defensive back or wide receiver. He's that good. New England has to make a run for him.
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| Warren could be an absolute stud |
#5 through #10 is an area where a number of trades could take place. Names like DT Mason Graham of Michigan, TE Tyler Warren of Penn State, T Will Campbell of LSU, DE Jalon Walker of Georgia and RB Ashton Jeanty are the cream of the top choices. After them, things are a little murkier as these five are clearly in demand. It could be the Wild West when it comes to this part of the draft,
Warren is my favorite. I would love to see new Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson add this super talented player to his offense. Warren caught 104 balls this past year for 1,233 yards and 8 TD's and ran for additional 218 yards an 8.4 average and scored four more. He would be a nightmare. I wouldn't be disappointed if Chicago were to find Jeanty available at number 10 and they add him to their run game. Or they could go with best player available and draft Campbell the offensive tackle.
Although I've mentioned some of the top players above, where a team clearly improves their roster is on Day 3. Don't be disappointed of your team not drafting a player you clearly desire. It could be contract demands of one player forces them to alter their draft focus.
Yes, the draft is right around the corner. Feeling anxious, nervous, giddy? You're not alone. It's not quite Christmas, but's it's close.
Get Prepared....are you ready for some Football? Perhaps I can be of assistance. Grab a picture of Commissioner Roger Goodell and toss some boo's at it. That should help!
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