NFL Draft Predictions: Who Might Each Team Avoid in the First Round? 🏈
The NFL draft is fast approaching, and team strategies are coming into focus. It's not solely about selecting top-tier talent; teams must also find players that fit their unique roster needs, schemes, and overall philosophies. Every franchise has its own preferences when it comes to the types of players they wish to pursue, which leads to some interesting decisions.
In the spirit of strategy, let's explore some players that each team might steer clear of in the first round of the upcoming draft.
1. Tennessee Titans: Anyone but a Quarterback, Abdul Carter, or Travis Hunter
The Titans face a critical decision. After finishing last in passing grade for 2024 and ranking poorly in receiving, pass-rush, and coverage grades, the team must focus on finding solutions. Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Abdul Carter, or Travis Hunter could potentially uplift their struggling offense. However, picking a player outside of these options may not be wise.
2. Cleveland Browns: Edge Abdul Carter
With Myles Garrett recently secured on a long-term contract, the Browns will likely avoid selecting another edge rusher early. Cleveland ranked third in pass-rush ability last season, indicating that addressing other pressing needs is imperative. Quarterback options like Cam Ward and the versatile Travis Hunter appear to be more sensible picks.
3. New York Giants: WR/CB Travis Hunter
Travis Hunter's dual-threat potential is tempting, but the Giants have already re-signed Darius Slayton and welcomed Paulson Adebo into their secondary. With a complete roster at wide receiver and cornerback, Hunter might not find his place. New York’s priorities lie elsewhere, chiefly at quarterback and bolstering the offensive line.
4. New England Patriots: DI Mason Graham
The Patriots seem settled at the defensive interior, featuring Christian Barmore and Milton Williams. While Mason Graham is a talented prospect, New England is concentrating on enhancing their roster around quarterback Drake Maye. They will likely invest draft resources into securing offensive weapons and protection instead of adding more defenders.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Tetairoa McMillan
With established talents like Brian Thomas Jr., Gabe Davis, Dyami Brown, and Parker Washington, the Jaguars have ample firepower in their passing attack. Their main focus lies in strengthening the trenches and secondary. This makes it more rational for them to consider options like Mason Graham or Will Johnson, rather than McMillan.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Edge Shemar Stewart
The Raiders find themselves comfortable in the edge position with Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce, and 2023 first-rounder Tyree Wilson. Although Shemar Stewart has high potential, he carries developmental risks. Look for Las Vegas to target offensive skill players or bolster their secondary instead.
7. New York Jets: RB Ashton Jeanty
The Jets need receivers, tight ends, and defensive upgrades far more than they need another running back. The team already boasts a dynamic duo in Breece Hall and Braelon Allen. If new head coach Aaron Glenn wants to boost the run game, he’s likelier to choose an offensive lineman or a tight end.
8. Carolina Panthers: OT Will Campbell
At this point, the Panthers are unlikely to spend a first-round pick on an offensive tackle since they’ve already invested significantly in that position recently. Their focus will most likely shift towards improving the league's worst-rated defense and solutions for their secondary instead.
9. New Orleans Saints: QB Shedeur Sanders
While identifying a long-term quarterback is crucial, the Saints' focus lies in addressing their struggles up front. They ended the season with the lowest pass-blocking grade in the league. Until these issues are tackled, pursuing a rookie quarterback wouldn’t be practical.
10. Chicago Bears: OT Kelvin Banks Jr.
After a flurry of offseason additions, the Bears possess one of the league's most robust offensive lines. Their first-round pick is expected to target a skill player like Ashton Jeanty or a defender, making it unlikely they’ll reach for another offensive tackle.
11. San Francisco 49ers: TE Tyler Warren
Though Kyle Shanahan could creatively utilize both George Kittle and Tyler Warren, the 49ers have more pressing issues to address along both lines and in their secondary. A luxury pick at tight end seems unnecessary, especially since Kittle remains at an elite level.
12. Dallas Cowboys: CB Will Johnson
The Cowboys are stocked at cornerback. Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland solidify the starting roles, negating the need for another corner like Johnson. Instead, Dallas should prioritize their rushing offense and run defense, where they have more immediate concerns.
13. Miami Dolphins: WR Luther Burden III
Luther Burden III could be a great addition to the Dolphins if they were in need of a wide receiver, but with playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, adding more speed isn’t essential. Addressing the trenches must take precedence for Miami.
14. Indianapolis Colts: OT Armand Membou
The Colts maintain a quality offensive line despite some offseason losses. They seem confident in the performances from Tanor Bortolini and Dalton Tucker. While Membou could be a good fit, the Colts might prioritize defensive talent or a tight end.
15. Atlanta Falcons: OT Josh Simmons
The Falcons are not in search of an offensive tackle, thanks to Kaleb McGary and Jake Matthews. Defensive upgrades are more critical as the first round approaches, with a center potentially on their radar for the middle rounds.
16. Arizona Cardinals: TE Colston Loveland
Although the Cardinals utilize multiple tight end sets, Loveland’s skills would overly complicate their offense due to his similarities with Trey McBride. Instead, their attention should turn to addressing a struggling defense or possibly a receiver.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: WR Emeka Egbuka
After securing Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase, the Bengals don't need more wide receivers. They should prioritize fixing their defense and improving their interior offensive line, especially with Trey Hendrickson’s future uncertain.
18. Seattle Seahawks: DI Walter Nolen
The Seahawks feature a sturdy interior defensive line with Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed, and Byron Murphy II already in the mix. A first-round defensive pick will more likely focus on a linebacker or safety.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Matthew Golden
The Buccaneers have addressed their receiving needs by extending Chris Godwin and watching Mike Evans deliver yet another solid season. With emerging talent in the slot, focusing on other areas, particularly defense, is critical.
20. Denver Broncos: T Josh Conerly Jr.
Having built one of the league’s best offensive lines, the Broncos don't require another tackle. Their energy would be better spent on finding impactful skilled positions like wide receiver or tight end.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Edge James Pearce Jr.
The Steelers possess elite edge talent with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Additional depth might be nice, but other positions, such as quarterback and cornerback, stand out as greater needs.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: S Nick Emmanwori
While Emmanwori shows potential, the Chargers already have Derwin James Jr. and Alohi Gilman solidifying their safety line. The draft should focus instead on enhancing the defensive line or providing Justin Herbert with new weapons.
23. Green Bay Packers: RB Omarion Hampton
While finding depth is important, the running back position doesn’t need immediate attention. With Josh Jacobs excelling in Green Bay, the Packers should look to bolster their defense or secondary instead.
24. Minnesota Vikings: WR Emeka Egbuka
The Vikings are enhancing their trenches and secondary, making a receiver an unlikely target now. With key players on board, it’s sensible to consider defensive tackle or safety for the first pick.
25. Houston Texans: Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku
Strengthened at edge rusher and cornerback, the Texans find themselves solid in pass defense. The focus will prioritize enhancing pass protection and run defense, not selecting additional edge players.
26. Los Angeles Rams: DI Kenneth Grant
The Rams fortified their run defense by signing Poona Ford, meaning another defensive tackle early feels unnecessary. They might lean towards linebacker or cornerback instead.
27. Baltimore Ravens: TE Colston Loveland
Despite valuing tight ends, the Ravens do not require another elite option when Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, and Charlie Kolar already fill the position. A wide receiver could offer a smarter upgrade to their offensive potential.
28. Detroit Lions: S Malaki Starks
With a strong safety duo in Detroit, Starks might not be a pragmatic choice. The Lions should utilize their first-round pick on defensive line improvements, as that’s where bigger needs reside.
29. Washington Commanders: LB Demetrius Knight Jr.
Washington's linebacker group is stable and defined, pushing other positions like edge rusher or cornerback higher on their priority list. If they target a young linebacker, it’s more likely to be in a later round.
30. Buffalo Bills: TE Elijah Arroyo
With Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox as solid tight ends, investing in another player at that position is not necessary. The Bills should focus on strengthening their defense, which requires urgent attention after last season’s disappointments.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: CB Trey Amos
The Chiefs have a young and vibrant cornerback room. With the recent addition of Kristian Fulton, drafting another cornerback in the first round isn't practical. They’re more inclined to utilize their pick for depth in the trenches instead.
32. Philadelphia Eagles: LB Carson Schwesinger
After strengthening their linebacker position, the Eagles have enough depth at the spot. Instead of selecting another player here, they should prioritize positions like guard or edge rusher that require additional talent.
The upcoming NFL draft is bound to bring excitement, and these predictions highlight strategic movements among teams. The focus will be on addressing gaps and enhancing current rosters to strive for excellence. 🌟