This Thursday marks one of the most anticipated events of the NFL year… draft day. The draft is a culmination of a nearly year long process where teams scout thousands of players, watch countless hours of film, schedule individual meetings with players, and talk to every coach they ever had to figure out these players. Of the four major professional sports the NFL draft is probably most important as the players getting picked are expected to come in and contribute immediately, there’s no time for development like other sports. For teams this is the chance to fix the flaws in your roster and for players this is the chance to live out a lifelong dream.
What we’re going to do here is take a look at some of the top prospects, break down their skill set, and determine which team we think will select them. Joining me to do this is one of the best football minds I know, my younger brother, Paul Staudacher.
Kyler Murray Quarterback Oklahoma
Analysis
Leo: Murray is regarded as the top quarterback in this draft class by many experts while others suggest staying away from him. I think the Heisman Trophy winner has the highest upside of any of the quarterbacks in this class but is more complex than the typical NFL QB. His athleticism and improvisation give him the ability to score by throwing or running the ball. They key for Murray is being drafted into the right system. If he gets picked by a team that can accommodate his skill set he can be an elite player.
Paul: The NFL is moving away from your traditional 6’ 3” strong arm pocket passer quarterback theses days. Nowadays you need a quarterback who can throw in the pocket, out of the pocket, and on the run. No quarterback does this better than Kyler Murray. With his ability to sling it and run it I feel like he is the start of a new age of NFL quarterbacks. Murray constantly get knocks for his height but the guys been 5’ 10” just about his whole career so he knows how to make plays at that height.
Predictions
Leo: It’s almost guaranteed that the Cardinals are going to pick him first overall so I’m not going to waste much time on this one.
Paul: With a three first round picks and a deep defensive draft Jon Gruden and the Raiders would be willing to pick Murray this high in the draft even with their defensive needs. This might not mean a Derek Carr trade right away, it might be beneficial for Murray to sit back and learn the system for a year.
Nick Bosa Defensive End Ohio State
Analysis
Leo: Bosa is regarded as the best prospect in the draft from a skill standpoint. He can take over a games blitzing from the outside and has the football IQ to defend the run. Bosa is a dream for a team trying to rebuild their defensive unit but the biggest concerns are off the field. Bosa left Ohio State after suffering an injury this season which led scouts to question his durability and commitment to his team, he will still be a top five pick regardless of those concerns.
Paul: I remember watching Joey Bosa and asking myself if we’d ever get another prospect with the elite skill set that he had. It looks like this is the year there is another one just like Joey in his brother Nick Bosa. Everything from the the football IQ to the physical traits are off the charts. Like Leo said above the injury concerns me. I think the fact that he left Ohio State early will allow him to play with a chip on his shoulder. All year that chip will push him to be the leader he knows he is and show that he won't quit on his team again. Also there will always be that determination of being better than his brother. I mean, who doesn’t want to be better than their older brother.
Predictions:
Leo: The best fit for Bosa, an elite defensive lineman, is a team that just traded an elite defensive lineman the Oakland Raiders. After trading Khalil Mack the Raiders need a mainstay on the defensive line. While the Raiders might be the best fit, I think the 49ers will not pass him up at #2 overall and Bosa will add to a promising young defense.
Paul: Bosa going second overall the San Francisco 49ers just makes sense. A defense that needs all kind of help would benefit from picking Bosa and with no real defensive standout he would be a great leader of that defense.
Josh Allen EDGE Kentucky
Analysis
Leo: Allen is an edge rusher that has the first step speed to make an immediate impact in the NFL. He was the best player on his defense at Kentucky and was able to put up insane numbers while often being double teamed.
Paul: Josh Allen has the most raw potential out of any prospect in the draft. He was the heart and soul of that Kentucky defense who week in and week out defied previous expectations. So Allen will not shy away from the idea of stepping into a new team day one and become the leader of the defense.
Predictions
Leo: If he is available when the Raiders are picking he could be the obvious heir to Khalil Mack.
Paul: The Jets have made noise this free agency in acquiring Le’Veon Bell and C.J. Mosely. So what better way to cap the off season off by adding another potential defensive star in the pass rush alongside Leonard Williams.
Dwayne Haskins Quarterback Ohio State
Analysis:
Leo: Of the quarterback prospects Haskins might have the best skill set for the traditional NFL quarterback. He has the decision making ability that all the top quarterbacks in the NFL have and can develop into an excellent pocket passer.
Paul: Dwayne Haskins is the top pocket passer in the draft without doubt. With tremendous arm strength and down field accuracy he had the skills for the NFL. With underwhelming athleticism and not being the best outside of the pocket worries me a little especially if he goes to a team with a poor offensive line which is likely.
Predictions:
Leo: I think it makes the most sense for a team like the Giants to draft him and have him serve as an apprentice to Eli Manning for a year or so but I wouldn’t be shocked if a team that needs a starter like the Redskins trades up to take Haskins.
Paul: Eli Manning passing the torch to Dwayne Haskins is what Giants fans all want to see. Even though the Giants are set on Manning being the starter this season the future is still uncertain for Manning, so Haskins to the Giants at six overall would b a great pickup for them. A year to learn from a 2 time superbowl champ would be every young quarterbacks dream and that seems to be the situation in New york with the giants committed to Manning this season
Quinnen Williams Defensive Lineman Alabama
Analysis
Leo: Williams was at times underused on a talented Alabama squad but when he was on the field his impact was felt. He has the run stopping ability that teams dream of from a defensive tackle. If he can get into shape to play every down he might be one of the best players from this class.
Paul: I feel Quinnen Williams is the best prospect in the draft. If running a 4.83 40 at 6’ 4” and 295 pounds isn’t impressive just one look at his tape is all you need. Even with the baby face and braces he is a game wrecker. My one concern for him is his endurance. Towards the end of the Oklahoma game Williams looked gassed and was the only time to that point in the season where he was truly getting beat down after down. He was almost a non-factor in the Clemson game but if he wants to be the next great D-lineman in the NFL he needs to dominate every down.
Predictions
Leo: WIlliams is probably the second best player in the draft behind Bosa and will see his name called at third overall.
Paul: If everyone in the cardinals front office realizes just how good Williams is then I can see them using the number one overall selection on him. Hopefully Williams can be the kick start to a defense that could use boat loads of help this year if they look to improving their record next season.
Ed Oliver Defensive Lineman Houston
Analysis:
Leo: Oliver was the predicted to go first overall in many pre season mock drafts but struggled to stay healthy this season. He has shown he can be elusive in getting past lineman and can clog up holes in the running game.
Paul: With his season cut short because of injuries Ed Oliver was not able to dominate as many expected. But nevertheless, Oliver is still seen as one of the top prospects in this years draft. His limited tape still looks extremely promising and besides his shorten Junior season has shown no pattern of consistent injuries.
Predictions:
Leo: In a draft loaded with defensive talent Oliver will fall to fifth overall giving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers an absolute gift.
Paul: With the top three picks being Williams, Bosa, and then Allen, Ed Oliver will be the best defensive prospect available at the #5 slot for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Oliver at #5 would be the steal of the first round for the Bucs. Oliver would bolster a Tampa Bay defense that has fallen into mediocrity in recent memory.
Drew Lock Quarterback Missouri
Analysis:
Leo: Lock is one of the more under hyped quarterbacks this draft. While Murray and Haskins may be a lot flashier, Lock has proven he can be consistent against tough competition. He faced elite SEC defense every week and held his own, often making the smart play over the flashy play.
Paul: NFL offenses now require quarterbacks with the perfect balance of mobility and passing ability. Drew Lock is that quarterback. He is the most balanced quarterback in the draft. He has the ability to make great throws but his consistency worries some. Some passes are sports center top ten plays and others belong on the not top ten segment and leave you wondering who he was aiming for. He shows great emotion when playing the game of football a lot like Baker Mayfield but more with more self control. Playing at Mizzou some looked at his team as the little brother of the SEC but with his fire and determination he proved otherwise.
Predictions:
Leo: I think he might slide outside the top 10. He might be a good fit to develop under Joe Flacco in Denver but I wouldn’t be surprised if Jacksonville takes him at #7 before the Broncos have the chance.
Paul: With only a few years left in the tank for Joe Flacco, Drew Lock to the Broncos at #10 overall would be worth their while. Drew Lock has the ability and passion to turn this Broncos franchise around.
Daniel Jones Quarterback Duke
Analysis
Leo: Of the top quarterback prospects, Jones has the most developing to do. He has the raw athletic ability and the skill set to develop into a solid NFL quarterback. He may need some time as a second stringer to hone his skills but he could end up being one of the best value picks in this draft.
Paul: Daniel Jones in some people's eyes is the most consistent and toughest player at the quarterback position in this years draft. He has the mental and physical toughness to show up and play every week and try to show that Duke is not just a basketball school. He was able to succeed in the cutthroat ACC with that toughness. Jones definitely has the most consistently accurate arm of any quarterback in this year's draft. Although he doesn’t have the freakish athleticism as former Blue Devil Zion Williamson his athleticism is enough to get by but could use improvement. With a year of development Jones can very well be the best quarterback of this draft.
Predictions:
Leo: Jones’ fate depends on where Murray, Haskins, and Lock get picked. If they are all off the board in the top 10, a team could trade up and draft him early in the draft. Because of how deep this draft is defensively I think Jones will slide to the end of the first round where the New England Patriots will select him.
Paul: When the Jacksonville Jaguars went out and got Nick Foles they had found a quarterback who they think can put them in a situation to win now. In years to come Foles will not be there to lead the Jaguars offense. So they need to look towards the future and pick a quarterback like Jones they could develop to lead their team to AFC titles in the near future.