NFL Draft: 5 teams to watch on Thursday
The NFL Draft begins on Thursday night, finally putting to bed the endless speculation and mock drafts that surround us daily. Instead of having to guess, we finally get our answers, for better or worse.
Of course, there are some teams that are more interesting than others. A select few could change the route of the night, and the next decade if they are correct. Let’s look at five franchises that are worthy of our attention for the upcoming NFL draft.
5. New England Patriots
With the 23rd and 31st-overall selections in the draft, the Patriots have a chance to make a serious move. New England has to patch up some of the holes left by free agency, including left tackle, running back, wide receiver and corner. This is in addition to quarterback and EDGE rusher, with Tom Brady turning 41 years old in August and no semblance of a pass rush costing them in Super Bowl LII.
The Patriots may simply opt to hold firm at their current spots and take the best players available. Then again, Bill Belichick could try to move up and snag a quarterback, having multiple picks in each of the first two rounds.
4. Denver Broncos
The Broncos are picking fifth, and have to make a fundamental decision. Denver could take a quarterback and try to groom him behind Case Keenum, or general manager John Elway could go the other way and land a premier player at a less-hyped position. If the Broncos pass on a quarterback, they are signaling a potentially long-term belief in Keenum.
3. Green Bay Packers
The Packers are drafting 14th, something you don’t normally see. Green Bay has some premium years left with Aaron Rodgers, but portions of the roster have slipped into disrepair. If the Packers are going to back to the Super Bowl in the stacked NFC, it starts with this pick. General manager Brian Gutekunst has to find a corner, at minimum, to help the cause.
2. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland has the first and fourth picks. The Browns haven’t gotten a draft selection right since Bernie Kosar. Sometimes, it’s just that simple. The sideshow continues until it doesn’t, and Cleveland can’t afford to mess either of these picks up.
1. New York Giants
The Giants are fascinating in this draft. New York has to find the right solution to a vexing problem, which is whether to trade down, select a quarterback or take a skill position player. If the Giants pass on a signal-caller and as a result the New York Jets take one, and he’s great, good luck living that down.
