The Panthers are the first pivot point in this draft. We know that Travis Hunter is going to the Steelers at number one overall, and we suspect that Jalen Milroe will be going second, but we can’t be completely sure. If the Panthers do the unexpected and take somebody else, the top QB will still be on the board, and one of the top position players will be gone.
Pick Number 3, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals for sure are not taking a quarterback with this pick, bit it will still be interesting to see who is taken, assuming Hunter and Milroe are off the board. With the top prospect and top QB gone, we will see who the Bengals view as the top player in that next tier of prospects. Do they go offense or defense? Could somebody try and trade up to get ahead of the Jets and Seahawks for a QB? The Bengals will hold a lot of power if the top 2 shakes out how we expect.
Pick Number 9, Los Angeles Rams
If quarterbacks go #2, #4, and #5 to the Panthers, Jets, and Seahawks, what do the Rams do at #9? They very desperately need a quarterback but do they feel like there is one who is worth it at this pick. If not, is there someone else who does and would want to come up with the Rams? LA needs a lot of help on their roster and I would not hate trading down if you don’t love any of the quarterbacks here.
Picks 13 and 14, Washington Commanders and New York Jets
Both of these teams have two first round picks, the Commanders at 13 and 22, and the Jets at 4 and 14. We can assume that both picks 13 and 14 will not be on quarterbacks, so this could be where the last blue chip prospects end up going. Both teams have made some big moves this offseason, and these picks can set the direction for both teams through the rest of the cycle. Do they split the picks between offense and defense or go all in on one side of the ball?
Pick 20, New York Giants
The New York football Giants have voiced their displeasure with Daniel Jones throughout season 1, but at pick 20 in the first draft of the year it may be hard for them to find a replacement that they really love. Will they reach for a QB or will they trust their board and take the best player available and maybe look for a QB later in the draft.
Yes, a lot of these are centered around the selection of quarterbacks, but those are the players that run the league. Typically in season 1 drafts, we see plenty of quarterbacks taken in the first round, though this QB class does not seem as strong. p
