The NFL Draft starts tomorrow. A lot of the top college players we've been following for years get some cool new hats and jerseys. It starts at 8 p.m. Eastern, and we'll be there.
Not physically there; it's in Green Bay, and that's not in the budget/interests of anyone. But we'll be watching it on TV like most other football fans, and as in past years, I'll be posting snap reactions to each first-round pick. Things like:
- Why did they take that guy?
- How will he fit into their offense/defense?
- What's the fantasy outlook for these guys, immediate and long-term?
I will be updating this same post after each pick, and probably posting in the comments as well; other Fantasy Index folks will probably check in. Reader comments are not only welcome but encouraged -- we want to hear what you think. Some of you are based in New Orleans, or Las Vegas, or Cleveland, and can offer local color on why such and such was drafted, if Player A (Ok, I'm talking about Cameron Ward) will start in Week 1 or Week 1, if Player B (Travis Hunter) will play more offense or defense, etc.
A few pre-draft news and notes:
1. The Titans say they're not trading their pick. They will apparently be selecting their franchise quarterback, they hope, in Miami's Cameron Ward.
2. The Browns and Giants may be interesting in trading down. Recent news is that one of those teams might be interested in trading down. They also might just be interested to see what offers come in, or it's just some league-driven effort to get viewers to tune in. I suspect they're both staying put, but both have enough needs that it can't be ruled out.
3. The Cowboys are looking to trade. This comes straight from Jerry Jones, who has seldom been shy as far as talking about the team's draft plans, often to a fault, especially as he gets older, it seems. At some point they'll take away his car keys, but for now he's still in charge and it sounds like the team is interested in moving up or down or sideways. We'll see.
4. The Broncos are interested in trading up. Most believe the Broncos would love to add one of the draft's top 2 running backs, Ashton Jeanty or Omarion Hampton. Jeanty will be long gone, but Hampton is probably attainable, maybe without a trade up. We know Jeanty's going to be a first- or second-round fantasy pick this year. If the Broncos take Hampton, who knows? He's a three-down back going to a Sean Payton offense that doesn't have a true lead option at the position.
(Aside: other rumors have the Broncos trading down, since they're picking just ahead of Pittsburgh, who some believe is interested in a quarterback.)
5. Jeanty could go to.... The Raiders (6th) have been mentioned, but so have the Jaguars (5th) and even the Patriots (4th). Seems pretty clear he's not falling further than that. Should be fun.
Come back tomorrow night and we'll talk about it as it unfolds.
--Andy Richardson