Dec 31, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boise State Broncos working again Ashton Jeanty (2) reacts after the sport in opposition to the Penn State Nittany Lions within the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Photographs
Nobody has ever accurately predicted all 32 picks within the NFL Draft. Even essentially the most correct analysts solely handle to match perhaps eight or 9 gamers to the proper spot and proper group.
So maybe it’s time to organize for the sudden. Predict the unpredictable. It could actually’t be any extra improper than what’s come earlier than, proper? It’s time to stare into the crystal ball for some unlikely situations that will maintain extra reality than anticipated.
Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty to the New England Patriots
Mike Vrabel has returned as head coach, however the Patriots are worse for put on than the Tennessee Titans ever have been. Nonetheless, the Patriots have a stable younger quarterback to construct round and a defensive position that appears horrifying on paper.
However an enormous a part of Vrabel’s previous success is lacking. The place is his generational working again expertise?
Enter Ashton Jeanty at No. 4.
Vrabel’s greatest offensive days revolved round a working again who refused to be tackled.
Derrick Henry was close to unimaginable to carry down on his personal, typically taking two or three tries to get on the bottom. Does this remind you of anybody? It ought to.
Jeanty’s contact steadiness ought to immediately attraction to Vrabel, and a brand new period of offense might start in New England.
Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen Will Be the First Defensive Sort out Chosen
Oct 7, 2023; School Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Walter Nolen (0) reacts after a play through the second quarter in opposition to the Alabama Crimson Tide at Kyle Subject. credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports activities I like Mason Graham (Michigan) as a lot as the subsequent man—which is to say, loads—however his standing as a top-five lock rests on unfastened floor. Considerations about weight and arm size have bubbled up all through the draft cycle. Sufficient, in truth, that the Jaguars—who’ve been linked to Graham practically the complete cycle—could have wandering eyes at No. 5.
Nolen has higher sack manufacturing, higher tackles for loss, and is a extra naturally constructed defensive sort out prospect for the professional sport. Groups worth size, particularly the group almost certainly to take a defensive sort out after the Jaguars: the Chicago Bears.
The Bears don’t presently have a defensive sort out on the roster with arms as quick as Graham’s. Their final choose on the place was Zacch Pickens, who has 34-inch arms. It’s potential Graham doesn’t meet the benchmark traits the Bears usually search for on the place—and that he’s handed over in favor of Nolen.
Nolen has some character considerations, but when his interviews with the Bears went OK, we could also be seeing Nolen within the prime 10 and Graham falling into the teenagers.
UCLA LB Carson Schwesinger Is a First-Spherical Choice
Nov 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (10) runs out of bounds in opposition to UCLA Bruins linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) through the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Dylan Widger-Imagn Photographs Inside linebacker could be the quarterback of the protection, however they usually don’t carry first-round worth. Most analysts solely have one linebacker projected in Day 1: Jihaad Campbell, who’s extremely athletic, versatile and comes from among the finest soccer faculties of all time.
However let’s not overlook in regards to the Los Angeles Rams, who presently have only one participant of their center linebacker room who was drafted by any NFL group: Tony Fields. And he could not even make the roster—presently listed fifth string on the spot.
There’s nothing improper with Troy Reeder or Omar Speights, per se, however they aren’t stars. It’s straightforward to image Sean McVay eager to solidify the center with Schwesinger, a extremely touted native expertise with a status as a tough employee from his days as a walk-on.
His soccer character will shine in interviews—and his play will solidify him as a star in McVay’s protection.