How Could the Top 7 Selections in the NFL Draft Go?
· Yahoo Sports
The NFL Draft is still more than a month away, but the first round is beginning to take shape. After some offseason events, players began to rise and fall in the rankings, but now that the NFL Combine is here, some things are changing. Prospects are rising in the rankings thanks to strong performances and interviews. For the New Orleans Saints, they may have entered the week with a number of prospects to potentially select at 8, but those players may no longer be available. Still, the Saints are in an excellent spot at their first-round pick, and they are bound to have some great options when it's their time to pick.
The Potential Top 7 Selections1. Las Vegas Raiders - QB Fernando Mendoza
This is the only guaranteed pick among all the first 7 selections. QB Fernando Mendoza will be the first pick in the draft, unless something absolutely insane occurs.
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2. New York Jets - EDGE David Bailey
Looking at what the Jets could do, the trade they just made is a major factor. New York traded away their top EDGE, Jermaine Johnson, to the Titans, and this has just nearly guaranteed an EDGE would be selected here. This could be a pure edge rusher like David Bailey, a linebacker/edge rusher like Arvell Reese, or an edge rusher that may move inside like Rueben Bain. With Bailey's workout, the Jets could fall in love with him and pick him over the other two.
3. Arizona Cardinals - OT Francis Mauigoa
With the Cardinals entering a rebuild, they can really go in any direction here, but the offensive line is too glaring to overlook. Although this class is not as good as previous years, Francis Mauigoa is the best OT on the board and has proven in big games how well he can play.
4. Tennessee Titans - LB Arvell Reese
On the other side of the Jets trade is the Titans, who made a massive addition to their defensive line in Johnson. The defense still needs major work, and with new HC Robert Saleh being a defensive guy, continuing to upgrade that part of the roster would make sense. So, why not pick a player who can be a linebacker and edge rusher at the next level?
5. New York Giants - WR Carnell Tate
The Giants can go in different directions here, and there really isn't a go-to position for them. WR is a need, and if building around QB Jaxson Dart is the focus, the Giants could do that at 5, but the defense can also use some upgrades away from the defensive line. Although I do believe the Giants try to build the offense in free agency, Carnell Tate is staring me in the face, and I think he would be excellent with Dart and partnered with Malik Nabers.
6. Cleveland Browns - OT Spencer Fano
Unlike some of the previous picks, it's clear what the Browns need to fix. Their offensive line is going to need a complete overhaul this offseason, and the best available offensive tackle is Spencer Fano.
7. Washington Commanders - LB Sonny Styles
This one would have been a bit of a surprise a week ago, but Sonny Styles had one of the best NFL Combine performances ever, and combining that with his great tape, being a top 10 pick is a guarantee at this point. For the Commanders, they need defensive upgrades, and although Rueben Bain is still on the board, I think the Styles hype is going to be too much to pass up on.
Now, What Prospects Can the Saints Choose From?The Saints have excellent options at 8. RB Jeremiyah Love, S Caleb Downs, WRs Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon, EDGE Rueben Bain, and CB Mansoor Delane are all still on the board. Depending on what happens in free agency, the Saints could be pushed to one certain position, but no matter what, New Orleans could get a game-changer.