NFL Draft Set for Primetime Debut

The NFL draft is fast approaching its primetime debut this Thursday night and for the first time in a while many things remain unclear.  It appears that the Rams will not have the number 1 pick signed prior to the draft, and while all signs seem to point to Sam Bradford, things could still change.  Another thing to keep an eye on with the switch to primetime is trades involving veteran players occurring on draft night, which will make the NFL resemble the NHL or NBA. Let’s take a look at how I think the first 15 picks of the draft will play out and then examine some of the veterans that could be on the move.

With the first pick in the 2010 NFL draft the St. Louis Rams select:

1. Sam Bradford: This is a no-brainer pick for the Rams based on immediate need, however they definitely aren’t getting the best player in the draft.  If they can trade down and still pick in the top 10 and get a defensive player for Coach Spags don’t be surprised.

2. Detroit Lions: all signs are pointing to Ndamokung Suh, however they do need help on the OL to protect Stafford. Suh is the safe bet at number 2.

3. Tampa Bay: Gerald McCoy heads to Tampa. This kid is a stud — to me he and Eric Berry are the two best players in the draft.  He should have an immediate impact for the Bucs.

4. Washington Redskins: everyone in Washington wants Okung and everyone is predicting it. I however believe they select Eric Berry.  Their secondary has suffered since the passing of Sean Taylor and Berry has the potential to be a great one.

5. Kansas City: The Chiefs well be stuck with the debate over who is the best OT in the draft, Russell Okung or Trent Williams.  My bet is they go with the Cowboy. Russell Okung is a Chief.

6. Seattle Seahawks: It’s a no-brainer for the Seahawks, they need OL help desperately and Trent Williams will be headed to the NFC West.

7. Cleveland Browns: Holmgren will make an effort to trade up for the number 1 pick and won’t be successful. The Browns will then debate WR or QB. If they go QB I wouldn’t be shocked as Holmgren is not a good GM, but they will ultimately go with Dez Bryant.

8. Oakland Raiders: This is the wild card spot for the rest of the first round because honestly no one ever has a clue what Raiders management is going to do.  With the two top LT’s off the board, will the Raiders go after one of the next two or will they go after the other side of the ball? My guess is they go OT and Anthony Davis.

9. Buffalo Bills: Rumors swirling that they are going after a QB and are looking at Tebow with a later pick. They do need help on the OL as it was dreadful last season.  Bryan Bulaga is their man.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: They have MJD, do they go after CJ Spiller? I think they have to go defense and take a risk with Derrick Morgan.

11. Denver Broncos: They have just traded Brandon Marshall and were probably hoping Dez Bryant fell into their laps.  If he does then that trade works out perfectly for them. If not, they have to go to the other side of the ball.  I think they go DT here and select Dan Williams.

12. Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have gotten a lot of what they wanted this offseason already.  They still need help on defense. DT, S or LB. This pick comes down to Earl Thomas or Rolando McClain.  I think they go with McClain and look for a veteran S to bring in.

13. San Francisco: The Niners need help on D, and with all the key OL already taken that is where they will go.  Joe Haden heads out to the west coast with the potential to be a top cover corner.

14. Seattle Seahawks: With their second pick in the top 15 the Hawks have to go after D. And they will have no choice but to take safety Earl Thomas.  However if Thomas is on the board here, look for the Eagles to try and trade up.

15. NY Giants: With the Giants potentially trading veteran Osi, look for them to go for a pass rusher. Sergio Kindle out of Texas is a perfect fit for Big Blue.

These are all my best guesses as to how the draft order will play out without any trades occurring so I will probably only hit about 50% of them because I do expect there to be a lot of movement later this week.  With that in mind, here is a list of ten veterans who I wouldn’t be surprised to be moved to new teams:

1. Jason Campbell

2. Ben Roethlisberger

3. Ronnie Brown

4. Willis McGahee

5. Marshawn Lynch

6. Chris Cooley

7. Rocky McIntosh

8. Albert Haynesworth

9. LenDale White

10. Osi Umenyiora

This is just a list of names that I am speculating on. If you look at every one of them there is an obvious reason why each could be dealt. Needless to say this draft weekend promises to be one that is very entertaining with a lot happening.  So sit back and enjoy.